Delhi may face dust storms, heat and groundwater loss as activists warn that the SC’s restricted Aravalli definition could remove protection from 90% of the range.

Delhi, New: According to environmentalist Bhavreen Kandhari, who has become a strong advocate for environmental justice and early childhood development, the Aravalli  are Delhi’s green lungs and help with the absorption of particulate matter, keeping the national capital’s environment clean. This is an important point to remember every winter. Kandhari also promotes children’s right to a healthy start in life, inspiring mothers all over India to become activists, watchdogs, and changemakers in courtrooms and at UN climate meetings.

The Supreme Court’s recent designation of the Aravallis has generated a great deal of dispute. According to the top court’s ruling last month, “Aravalli” now only refers to features that rise 100 meters or more over the surrounding ground. Politicians and environmentalists are furious over the restrictive definition, which has generated a national discussion.

According to environmentalists, this could remove protections from up to 90% of the range, causing irreparable ecological damage, a surge of mining and real estate grabbing, and an acceleration of desertification. It would also severely impair groundwater recharge and endanger biodiversity in an area already struggling with pollution and water scarcity.

The conversation with Bhavreen Khandari was summarized as follows:

What makes the Aravallis significant?

Since Delhi lacks a natural forest of its own, the Aravalli hills are quite significant. The national capital and the neighboring NCR have no more substantial green space than these hills. They serve as the city’s green lungs, allowing people to breathe healthier air. There is no room for such a serious error. The only forest we have is this one, and once it is ruined, it cannot be restored.

How are we shielded by the Aravallis?

The Aravallis’ biodiversity regulates pollution on a number of levels. Negative pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10 are absorbed by trees, soil, and vegetation. Without this natural system, it would be impossible to live in Delhi. If you damage these hills, you are simultaneously meddling with the ecosystem, biodiversity, and groundwater recharge.

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How will the national capital’s atmosphere change? Will there be more dust and dry air storms?

The Aravalli hills provide as a natural defense against Rajasthani winds that are hot and dusty. Stronger dust storms, drier air, and intense heat will be experienced by Delhi if this barrier is compromised. Nearly 90% of the Aravalli range is no longer protected under the new mathematical definition, leaving the city vulnerable to desert conditions.

What remains if 90% of the Aravalli region is covered by the new definition?

There won’t be much protection. It’s been said that Delhi is destroyed once every 100 years, and it seems like we’re getting close to that point right now. This forest is the only thing we have, and this land has always been green. New Delhi is protected by the Central Ridge, a vital green lung that absorbs PM 2.5 and PM 10.

Did you ever imagine that this would happen?

It is shocking. There is already encroachment on a large portion of the ridge. Residents, locals, and authorities are all feeling the effects. In order to prevent additional destruction, the forest department needs to be granted more authority to safeguard these places.

On the ground, what does the Supreme Court’s new classification mean?

The legal definition of Aravalli land is limited by the new classification. Once protected areas may now be made available for building and mining. Environmentalists worry that this may result in unbridled development and irreparable ecological harm.

What would happen to the wildlife if the protection was taken away?

Habitat for wildlife will be lost. Birds and animals that rely on the Aravalli forest would be left with nowhere to go. This will worsen human-animal conflict and upset the region’s natural equilibrium.

You are standing in a pristine, deep forest. What is this location symbolic of?

This forest demonstrates what Delhi is losing quickly. The Aravalli hills are one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, having existed for around 1.5 billion years. Because this forest is still alive, we can breathe clean air here.

How will the summers, winters, and monsoons be affected?

In all three seasons, Delhi already faces severe weather. Air pollution will increase dramatically if the Aravallis are harmed. During the summer, sand and dust will flow freely into the city. Nothing will prevent PM 2.5 and PM 10 over the winter. Groundwater recharge will decrease and flood risk will rise during the monsoon season.

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What impact will groundwater have?

Rainwater can seep into the earth and replenish aquifers thanks to the Aravalli hills. Delhi’s water situation would get worse if these hills are built over or flattened since the water will just wash off.

What comes next for an environmentalist and activist?

Everybody must take action. There’s nothing else to do. The next generation will suffer greatly if we fail today. Cities cannot exist without forests. The goal of saving the Aravallis is to survive.