The Aravalli Hills

The Aravalli Hills are one of the most ancient mountain systems in the world, located in north-western India. They extend approximately 690 km, from Gujarat in the southwest to Rajasthan in the north and Haryana and Delhi in the northeast. They have been subjected to a greater amount of erosion over time than other mountain systems such as the Himalayas which are much younger than the Aravalli Hills; thus they are significantly smaller in size and less well-defined than those younger mountain systems.

From a geological perspective, the Aravalli Hills provide tremendous insights into Earth’s geological history dating back billions of years. Over time, a combination of forces including wind, water, and ice acting on the landscape over billions of years has transformed the once-mountaintops of the Aravalli into the gently rounded and rugged hills we see today.

The Aravalli Hills have a profound impact on the climate and ecology of northern India. The Aravalli Hills serve as a natural barrier between the Thar Desert and north India; therefore they are blocking the westward spread of the desert and protecting some of the most fertile agricultural regions. Additionally, they shape rainfall patterns over northern Rajasthan and adjacent states. Many rivers, particularly the Banas, Luni, and Sabarmati, originate from the Aravalli Hills and therefore are a major source of freshwater for the surrounding regions.

Biodiversity is abundant throughout the entire region. For example, the Aravalli Forests are populated by a variety of plant species as well as many types of birds and animals including leopards, jackals, deer, and a wide range of reptiles. These forests continue to play an important role in maintaining balances in our ecosystem by providing clean air, conserving soil, providing places for wildlife to live, etc. Unfortunately, due to deforestation and mining activities, the ecosystem in this area has been severely disrupted.

Both the History and Culture associated with the Aravalli Hills are of Great Historical and Cultural Significance to the world. Many Ancient Civilizations settled on these hills and there are many forts and monuments located in the Udaipur and Mount Abu area that are directly associated with these civilizations. The Mount Abu Peak is regarded as the highest point of the Aravalli Range and is a very popular Tourist Destination and Resort Area.

Over the past few years, there has been growing concern regarding ongoing Conservation efforts on behalf of the Aravalli Hills. Mining, Urbanization, Pollution, and other factors have placed tremendous pressure on the Aravalli ecosystem and have caused significant problems to the Region. Preserving the Aravalli Range will help to ensure Overall Environmental Stability and promote Biodiversity throughout Northwestern India, as well as provide access to Natural Water Resources.