Aravalli Range, Map, Location, Highest Peak, Map, Drainage

The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world and stretches about 670 km from Delhi to Gujarat. It plays an important role in climate, rivers, groundwater, biodiversity, and mineral resources. The range also acts as a natural barrier against the eastward spread of the Thar Desert and supports many ecologically important landscapes.

Aravalli Range

The Aravalli Range, also called the Aravali Hills, is among the oldest surviving mountain systems on Earth and forms a major physiographic division of north-western India. Although heavily eroded over geological time, the range continues to exert a strong influence on climate, drainage, mineral resources, ecology, and human settlement patterns across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and adjoining regions.

The Map of the Aravalli Range has been provided below:

Aravalli Range Supreme Court Guidelines

The Guidelines and Definition of Aravalli Hills and Range has been laid down by the Supreme Court of India in November 2025 after the Aravalli Range Controversy as discussed below:

• Aravalli Hills Definition: Any landform rising 100 metres or more above the surrounding local terrain. Local relief is measured using the lowest contour line encircling the hill. Protection applies to the entire hill system, including supporting slopes and associated landforms, regardless of height.
• Aravalli Ranges Definition: Clusters of two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other. The entire intervening area, including slopes and smaller hillocks, is considered part of the range.

• SC Directions on Mining:

• • Temporary ban on issuing new mining leases in areas falling under the Aravalli definition.
  • Existing legal mining allowed but under strict regulation.
  • The ban remains until a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).

• Requirements for the Management Plan (MPSM):

• • Identify no-mining zones and strictly regulated mining areas.
  • Map sensitive habitats and wildlife corridors.
  • Assess cumulative ecological impacts and carrying capacity.
  • Prescribe restoration and rehabilitation measures for mined areas.

• SC Observations:

• • Recognized that blanket bans can fuel illegal mining.
  • Adopted a calibrated approach combining temporary pause on new mining, regulated continuation of existing legal mining, and permanent protection of ecologically sensitive areas.

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Aravalli Range Location

The Location and extent of the Aravalli Range and Hills has been discussed below:

• The Aravalli Range is located in north-western India, forming one of the most prominent physiographic features of the region.
• The range extends in a south-west to north-east orientation, which is distinct from most other Indian mountain ranges.
• Its northernmost extension begins near Delhi, where the hills appear as discontinuous ridges.
• From Delhi, the range passes through southern Haryana, influencing the drainage and ecological conditions of the region.
• It then traverses through central and southern Rajasthan, where it is most extensive and prominent in height and width.
• The Aravalli Range finally terminates near Ahmedabad in Gujarat, gradually merging with the surrounding plains.

Drainage System of the Aravalli Range

The key rivers originating or crossing through the Aravalli Range has been discussed below:

• The Aravalli Range is a major watershed, with rivers from western slopes draining into inland basins/Arabian Sea and eastern slopes feeding the Yamuna system.
• Western-slope rivers like Luni, Sakhi, and Sabarmati flow through arid regions, ending in marshes such as the Rann of Kutch, and host historical Indus Valley sites.
• The Sahibi River and tributaries (Dohan, Sota, Krishnavati) flow northwest into Yamuna, with paleochannels containing key wetlands like Bhindawas and Sultanpur.
• Eastern-slope rivers like Chambal, Banas, and Berach drain northeast into the Yamuna, with tributaries such as Ahar River forming lakes like Pichola.
• The drainage system features seasonal flows, wide sandy channels, and paleochannels, supporting biodiversity, wetlands, and human settlements.

Aravalli Range Characteristics

The key highlighting features of the Aravalli Hills has been listed below:

• Composed of discontinuous ridges, hills, and residual mountains, forming a rugged terrain rather than a continuous chain.
• Width varies between 6 to 60 miles, with average elevations of 1,000–3,000 feet, and the highest peak Guru Shikhar at 5,650 feet.
• The range stretches 670 km in a south-west to north-east orientation, from Delhi to Ahmedabad (Gujarat).
• Divides Rajasthan into two distinct regions:
  • North-western arid zone dominated by sand dunes and sparse vegetation.
  • South-eastern fertile zone with better drainage and denser population.
• Terrain features steep slopes, ridges, hillocks, and low plateaus, with local variations in relief contributing to diverse microclimates.
• Acts as a climatic and hydrological barrier, influencing rainfall patterns and river courses.

Aravalli Range Formation

The Geological Formation and Evolution of the Aravalli Range has been discussed here:

• Formed during the Proterozoic Era, making it one of the oldest fold mountain systems globally.
• Part of the Aravalli–Delhi Orogenic Belt and integral to the Indian Shield, showcasing ancient cratonic collisions.
• Initially consisted of very high fold mountains, which have been extensively worn down by weathering, denudation, and erosion over millions of years.
• Displays gneiss, schist, quartzite, and marble formations, reflecting complex geological history.
• Provides crucial evidence of ancient tectonic activity, plate movements, and early Earth processes.
• The landscape contains paleochannels and river valleys, indicating former extensive drainage systems.

Mineral Resources of the Aravalli Range

The key highlighting mineral resources found in the Aravalli Range has been discussed below:

• Recognized as one of India’s oldest mineral belts with continuous mining since ancient times.
• Rich in economically important minerals:
  • Copper, zinc, and lead – mined historically and in modern times.
  • Marble and other building stones – extensively used in construction and handicrafts.
• Mining has contributed to historical metallurgy, trade, and settlement development.
• Current regulations emphasize sustainable mining, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.
• Mineral-rich zones influence regional industrial growth, employment, and economic planning.

Aravalli Range Significance

The major economic and historical importance of the Aravalli Range has been listed below:

• Serves as a natural barrier preventing the spread of the Thar Desert eastward, mitigating desertification.
• Supports critical wetlands, lakes, and wildlife habitats, including bird sanctuaries and protected forests.
• Influences river origin, groundwater recharge, and soil fertility, crucial for agriculture and settlements.
• Holds archaeological and historical importance:
  • Sites along Luni, Sahibi, and Krishnavati rivers linked to Indus Valley Civilisation.
  • Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP) culture sites indicate Late Harappan phase settlements.
• The Aravalli ecosystem guides land use, conservation, and sustainable development policies.
• Provides scenic and tourism value, with Mount Abu and Guru Shikhar being key hill-station and pilgrimage destinations.

Aravalli Range Challenges

The Aravalli Range faces increasing pressure from mining, urbanisation, deforestation, and ecological degradation, threatening its environmental stability.

• Illegal and Excessive Mining: Large-scale extraction of marble, stone, copper, zinc, and other minerals damages hills, weakens ecosystems, and increases land degradation across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.
• Deforestation and Habitat Loss: Continuous removal of forest cover reduces biodiversity, destroys wildlife habitats, and weakens the Aravallis’ role in preventing desertification and maintaining ecological balance.
• Urbanisation and Encroachment: Rapid expansion of cities, roads, industries, and settlements has fragmented the hill system, reducing natural green cover and disrupting wildlife corridors.
• Groundwater Depletion: Degradation of the Aravallis affects groundwater recharge capacity, leading to declining water tables and increasing water stress in surrounding regions.
• Desertification Risk: Weakening of the natural mountain barrier can accelerate the eastward spread of the Thar Desert, affecting agriculture, soil quality, and local climate conditions.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Wetlands, forests, river systems, and protected habitats linked to the Aravallis face increasing pressure from human activities, threatening several plant and animal species.
• Sustainable Mining Challenges: Balancing economic benefits from mineral resources with conservation needs remains difficult, requiring strict implementation of sustainable mining and ecological restoration measures.

Aravalli Hills Conservation Government Measures

Government Conservation Measures for the Aravalli Range focus on scientific protection, sustainable mining, biodiversity conservation and preventing ecological degradation.

• Ban on New Mining Leases: No new mining leases can be granted in Aravalli areas until a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is prepared.
• Scientific Mapping of Aravallis: Aravalli Hills and Ranges must be identified and marked using Survey of India maps to ensure transparent protection and enforcement.
• Protection of Core Ecological Areas: Mining is prohibited in protected areas, tiger reserves, eco sensitive zones, wetlands, wildlife corridors and CAMPA plantation sites.
• Sustainable Mining Framework: Existing legal mines can operate only under strict environmental conditions, regular inspections and continuous monitoring by authorities.
• Preparation of MPSM: The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been directed to prepare a landscape wide sustainable mining plan.
• Illegal Mining Control: Drones, CCTV cameras, weighbridges, district task forces and monitoring systems are being used to prevent illegal mining activities.
• Restoration of Mined Areas: The government has directed post mining restoration, rehabilitation, afforestation and ecological recovery measures in affected regions.
• Biodiversity and Water Conservation: Measures focus on protecting wildlife habitats, groundwater recharge zones, forests and ecological corridors across the Aravalli landscape.
• Landscape Level Conservation: The entire Aravalli ridge from Gujarat to Delhi is being treated as one ecological unit to prevent fragmentation and desertification.