Aravalli Mountains Under Threat: Khan Sir Explains How Mining Could Impact Delhi and Beyond

New Delhi/Rajasthan, December 22, 2025: The iconic Aravalli mountain range, spanning Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat, is once again in focus amid concerns over mining activities. Educator Khan Sir recently addressed the potential consequences in a detailed lecture, highlighting the environmental and hydrological risks associated with indiscriminate mining.

According to Khan Sir, hills shorter than 100 meters in the Aravalli range are at risk of being mined. Currently, 93% of Aravalli peaks fall under this category. This mountain range, which is over 250 million years old, could see extensive degradation because these shorter hills are not included in Schedule 6 of environmental protection guidelines.

Environmental Consequences
The removal of these hills could have far-reaching consequences. Sand from the mined areas could be carried by wind from the Thar Desert all the way to the Himalayan region. Khan Sir explains that when sand settles on Himalayan snow, it accelerates melting, potentially increasing water levels in rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna. This could trigger floods in downstream states like Bihar. He draws a comparison to roasting chickpeas or peanuts on sand, noting that sand heats up quickly, thereby speeding up snowmelt.

Clarifying Misconceptions
Central Minister Bhupendra Yadav clarified that the Aravalli range extends across 39 districts in four states. While a 100-meter height is a criterion for classifying a peak as a hill, the measurement includes the base structure underground, not just the visible height. Furthermore, gaps of up to 500 meters between peaks are also considered part of the Aravalli range, effectively protecting over 90% of the area.

The total area of the Aravalli mountain range spans approximately 147,000 square kilometers. The Minister emphasized that misinformation circulating on social media is misleading. On November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court approved recommendations from an Environment Ministry committee defining the protected status and parameters of the Aravalli hills and ranges.

The warnings from Khan Sir and official clarifications highlight the critical importance of preserving this ancient mountain range, not only for ecological balance but also for preventing potential downstream disasters.