Illegal mining in Aravalli has wiped out 120 waterbodies and forests. Learn why this ecological disaster matters and what must be done now.
- Imagine a sponge that soaks up rain for North India. Now imagine someone punching holes in it. That sponge is the Aravalli Hills… and illegal mining is the punch. 😟
- What Is Happening in the Aravalli Hills? 🏔️
- Why Aravalli Is India’s Silent Hero
- The Numbers That Shocked Everyone
- How Illegal Mining Is Killing Aravalli
- Nuh: The Worst Hit District
- What Experts Are Warning
- What the Government Is Planning
- Why This Affects You (Even If You Live Far Away)
- Featured Snippet Friendly FAQs
- ❓ What is the Aravalli Mining Crisis?
- ❓ How many water bodies have been lost?
- ❓ Why is Aravalli important?
- ❓ Which areas are most affected?
- ❓ Can Aravalli be saved?
- Keywords for SEO
- Suggested Related Post
Imagine a sponge that soaks up rain for North India. Now imagine someone punching holes in it. That sponge is the Aravalli Hills… and illegal mining is the punch. 😟
When Aravalli bleeds, North India thirsts.
What Is Happening in the Aravalli Hills? 🏔️
The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain systems on Earth. It runs through Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi NCR. It acts as a natural water filter, rain catcher, and climate shield.
But now, this ancient guardian is in deep trouble.
A new report submitted by the Haryana Forest Department to the NGT (National Green Tribunal) has revealed a shocking truth:
Over 120 natural ponds, lakes, and water bodies have disappeared in 25 years due to illegal mining and encroachment.
These losses were recorded in Faridabad, Gurugram, and Nuh districts.
To understand why this is a national emergency, you must first understand what Aravalli really does.
Why Aravalli Is India’s Silent Hero
The Aravalli hills are not just rocks and trees. They are a living water management system.
They:
- Store rainwater
- Recharge groundwater
- Control floods
- Support wildlife
- Reduce air pollution in Delhi NCR
According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, mountain ranges like Aravalli help regulate regional climate and rainfall patterns
(Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology).
So when Aravalli is damaged, rain does not soak in. It runs away. Water tables drop. Wells dry. Heat rises.
The Numbers That Shocked Everyone
According to Haryana Forest Department data:
| Time Period | Water Bodies |
|---|---|
| 25 years ago | ~265 |
| Today | ~55 |
| Lost | 120+ completely gone |
That means almost half the natural water system has vanished.
Historic ponds near:
- Badkhal Lake (Faridabad)
- Surajkund
- Bhondsi and Damdama (Gurugram)
have either dried up or turned into stone pits.
And it gets worse.
How Illegal Mining Is Killing Aravalli
Illegal mining does three deadly things:
🧨 1. Breaks Natural Rock Channels
The hills have underground cracks that guide rainwater into aquifers. Mining blasts destroy them.
🪨 2. Removes the Rain Catchers
Rocks and soil act like sponges. When they are removed, rain simply flows away.
🌳 3. Destroys Forest Cover
About 500 acres of dense forest has been wiped out. No trees = no water retention.
The result?
Dry land. Dust storms. Hotter summers. And zero groundwater recharge.
Nuh: The Worst Hit District
Nuh district has been identified as the most damaged area.
More than 20 natural ponds in Firozpur Jhirka alone have vanished.
Kotla Mubarakpur and Taoru areas have also lost multiple water bodies.
What were once biodiversity hotspots are now stone deserts.
What Experts Are Warning
Environmental activist Nukul Rathi from Save Aravalli Campaign says:
Aravalli is Delhi NCR’s green shield. If illegal mining is not stopped now, this region will turn into a desert.
Even the Supreme Court of India has earlier banned mining in parts of Aravalli to protect groundwater and air quality
(Supreme Court of India).
Yet, illegal mining continues quietly at night.
What the Government Is Planning
The Faridabad DFO confirmed:
- Check dams will be built
- Water-bonding projects are ongoing
- Rainwater will be trapped inside hills
But activists warn:
You cannot put a bandage on a bleeding mountain.
Unless mining mafias are stopped, restoration will not work.
Why This Affects You (Even If You Live Far Away)
You may think this is a Haryana problem. It is not.
Aravalli affects:
- Delhi air quality
- Gurugram water supply
- North India rainfall patterns
- Food production
According to UN Environment Programme, mountain ecosystems play a key role in water security
(UN Environment Programme).
So if Aravalli collapses, crores of people feel the impact.
Featured Snippet Friendly FAQs
❓ What is the Aravalli Mining Crisis?
It refers to large-scale illegal stone mining that has destroyed water bodies, forests, and groundwater systems in the Aravalli hills.
❓ How many water bodies have been lost?
More than 120 lakes, ponds, and springs have disappeared in 25 years.
❓ Why is Aravalli important?
It controls climate, stores rainwater, recharges aquifers, and protects Delhi NCR from pollution and desertification.
❓ Which areas are most affected?
Faridabad, Gurugram, and Nuh districts in Haryana.
❓ Can Aravalli be saved?
Yes, if illegal mining stops and water restoration projects are enforced seriously.
Keywords for SEO
Primary Keywords:
- Aravalli mining crisis
- illegal mining in Aravalli
- Aravalli water bodies
- Haryana forest destruction
Secondary Keywords:
- Faridabad lakes
- Gurugram groundwater
- Nuh district environment
- Aravalli hills ecology
🌍 This is not just a news story. This is our future.
👉 Share this article
👉 Talk about Aravalli
👉 Ask your leaders questions
👉 Support environmental campaigns
Because mountains cannot vote, but you can.
Suggested Related Post
“Why Delhi NCR Is Running Out of Water Faster Than You Think”
Credit: NBT (Navbharat Times)
