TLDR;
This video talks about the threat to the Aravalli mountain range due to a new definition proposed by the Modi government, which could lead to the destruction of these ancient mountains for real estate, mining, and other commercial interests. Dhruv explains how this new definition, defining mountains based on a 100-meter height from the surrounding area rather than sea level, effectively removes protection from 90% of the Aravalli range. He discusses the potential ecological disaster, the ongoing protests, and the misleading information being spread by the government and certain influencers.
- New Aravalli definition threatens 90% of the mountain range.
- Real estate and mining interests are driving the destruction.
- Protests are happening, and the Supreme Court has temporarily stayed the decision.
Introduction to the Aravalli Mountain Range [0:00]
The Aravalli mountain range, one of the oldest in the world, acts as a natural barrier preventing the Thar Desert from expanding into Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. These mountains also help in maintaining the ground water level and reducing air pollution by blocking sand and dust particles. However, the Modi government's new definition of the Aravalli range threatens its existence, potentially leading to ecological disaster.
The New Aravalli Definition and Its Implications [0:36]
The Modi government has introduced a new definition of the Aravalli range, stating that only mountains with a height of 100 meters or more will be considered part of the Aravalli. Additionally, only clusters of two or more mountains within 500 meters of each other will be recognized as the Aravalli range. This new definition effectively excludes 90% of the Aravalli mountains from being officially recognized as such, making it easier to cut down forests, construct buildings, and conduct mining activities.
Public Protests and Government Misleading Tactics [1:08]
News of the new definition led to widespread protests in Rajasthan and Haryana. The government responded by issuing a notification claiming that no mining would be allowed in the Aravalli, but this was just a deceptive statement. Simultaneously, many influencers and content creators were allegedly paid to defend the government's actions, promoting the idea that the government was actually trying to protect the Aravalli.
Supreme Court's Involvement and the Definition Controversy [3:03]
In May 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Modi government to create a uniform definition for the Aravalli range to protect it from mining. The court believed that a uniform definition would make it easier to protect the Aravalli hills, which span across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, each having different definitions. However, the definition created by the Union Environment and Forest Ministry threatens to eliminate the mountains themselves. The height of the mountains is now measured from the surrounding areas, which are already about 100 meters above sea level.
The Impact of Aravalli Destruction [6:16]
The Aravalli hills act as a speed breaker, reducing the speed of winds carrying sand. The forests on these mountains trap fine dust and hold the soil together with their roots, preventing desertification. If these mountains and trees are cut down, the sand will directly affect the fertile lands of Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, turning them barren. Climate scientists have warned that destroying the Aravalli could turn Delhi's climate into a semi-desert climate within a few decades.
Real Estate, Mining, and Political Interests [7:35]
The destruction of the Aravalli is driven by money. Real estate companies, mining companies, and political parties that receive funds from them benefit from it. The Aravalli hills pass through the Delhi NCR real estate corridor, where land and house prices are incredibly high. The Haryana government has repeatedly tried to remove parts of the Aravalli from protection, benefiting companies like Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Group.
Illegal Land Acquisition and Farmhouse Economy [8:02]
Patanjali Group acquired over 400 acres of Aravalli land in Kot village, Faridabad, through shell companies and intermediaries using power of attorney agreements. A 2023 investigation by The Reporters Collective revealed that Patanjali was buying land at low prices and selling it at high profits. Additionally, a "farmhouse economy" has emerged, with luxury farmhouses, wedding venues, and resorts being built on protected land. A December 2023 drone survey found 6,793 illegal structures in just four villages in Faridabad, covering over 700 acres of the Aravalli.
Mining Activities and Their Impact [10:19]
Mining for construction materials like silica sand, marble, and stones is rampant in the Aravalli. Illegal mining operations are causing entire mountains to disappear. The Aravalli also contains reserves of gold, tungsten, lead, rose-colored quartz, zinc, copper, and rock phosphate, leading to both legal and illegal mining. Despite Supreme Court bans, mining continues in protected areas.
The Reality of Aravalli's Destruction [12:11]
The destruction of the Aravalli is already happening. Since 1968, 25% of the Aravalli mountains in Rajasthan have disappeared. A report revealed that most of the Aravalli in Haryana's seven districts has been destroyed due to mining. The gaps created by the destruction have allowed the Thar Desert to expand, turning once-green areas into deserts. Crop yields have decreased, and 8.2% of Haryana is turning into a desert.
Impact on Air Quality and Water Resources [13:09]
The Aravalli forests act as green lungs for Delhi NCR, increasing oxygen, absorbing pollutants, and stopping dust. The destruction of the Aravalli has worsened air pollution in Delhi NCR, with desert sand entering through the gaps created by mining. The Aravalli is also an important source of water, with natural cracks allowing rainwater to recharge groundwater. However, the destruction prevents water from seeping into the ground, causing groundwater levels to drop.
Government's Response and Misleading Claims [15:04]
On December 24, 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change issued a press release stating that it had directed state governments to ban new mining leases in the Aravalli. However, this was just a reiteration of a Supreme Court order. The government is misleading people into believing that the Aravalli is now safe. The Union Environment Minister claims that the new definition will protect 90% of the Aravalli, but there is no public data to support this claim.
Influencer Campaigns and Media Manipulation [17:42]
Influencers and content creators are being paid to create videos defending the government's actions on the Aravalli issue. They are being asked to delete old videos that support the Aravalli and create new videos that support mining for development. Some media anchors are even blaming the Aravalli for Delhi's air pollution, claiming that the mountains trap polluted air.
Supreme Court's Temporary Stay and the Path Forward [20:26]
Due to the protests, the Supreme Court temporarily stayed its decision on December 29. The court will form a new high-powered expert committee to review the government's report. The future of the 100-meter definition depends on this committee's assessment. It is important to maintain pressure on the government and the committee to permanently reject the 100-meter definition.
Broader Environmental Concerns and the Chanda Dhanda Model [21:20]
The government is also targeting forests in other areas of the country. In Mumbai, 45,000 mangroves are being cut down for a coastal road. In Gujarat, forest land was given to the Adani Group for a green credit program. This is all part of the "Chanda Dhanda" model, where the government receives funds from corporations and gives them business in return.
