The Aravalli Hill range are one of the oldest set of hills, stretching roughly 650-800 km from Delhi through Haryana, Rajasthan to Gujarat. According to the Supreme Court of India, a hill is defined as any landform rising at least 100 meters (328 feet) above the surrounding terrain would qualify as Aravalli hills. According to the Forest Survey of India only 8.7% meet this criteria. This means that that the hills could lose its legal protection and can be opened up for mining. 

The Aravalli hills are roughly two billion years old, making them older than the Himalayan mountain ranges. The hills are extremely important as they prevent desertification, restore water tables and are a biodiversity hotspot. These hills are home to many species of endangered animals. It also acts as a barrier, slowing down the spread of the Thar desert. 

Local communities surrounding the hills also suffer severely if mining is pursued. Water scarcity, increased air pollution, desertification, loss of biodiversity, and irreversible environmental damage. 

A sustainable and clean future depends upon how we safeguard our environment and protect ecosystems that sustain life. Let us stand against mining in the Aravalli hills and protect life. As students, we stand for protection of the Aravalli hills.