View source for Aravalli Range

{{short description|Mountain range in western India}}
{{about|the mountain range| An Rajasthan heritage | Marwar}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox mountain
| name = Aravalli Range
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| photo = Aravalli.jpg
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| photo_size = 300
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| photo_caption = The Aravali Range in Rajasthan
| map_image = India Geographic Map.jpg
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| map_caption = Topographic map of India showing the range
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| elevation_m = 1722
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| highest = [[Guru Shikhar]], [[Mount Abu]]
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| pronunciation = {{IPA|hi| əɾaːʋ(ə)li}}
| coordinates = {{coord|24|35|33|N|74|42|30|E|type:mountain_region:IN|format=dms|display=inline}}
| range_coordinates = {{coord|25|N|73.5|E|type:mountain_region:IN|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
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| length_km = 670
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| age = [[Precambrian]] <!-- age of rocks -->
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| country = India
| subdivision1_type = States
| subdivision1 = {{hlist|[[Rajasthan]]|[[Haryana]]|[[Delhi]]|[[Gujarat]]}}
| subdivision2_type = Regions
| subdivision2 = {{hlist|[[North India]]|[[Western India]]}}
| settlement_type = Settlements
| settlement = {{hlist|Delhi|[[Gurgaon]]|[[Mount Abu]]}}
| subdivision4_type = Rivers
| subdivision4 = {{hlist|[[Banas River|Banas]]|[[Luni River|Luni]]|Sakhi|[[Sabarmati River|Sabarmati]]}}
| geology = [[Fold mountains]] from [[plate tectonics]]
* [[Igneous rock]] [[granite]] and [[gneiss]]
<!-- type of rocks -->| orogeny = [[Aravalli-Delhi Orogen]] <!-- orogeny -->
}}

The '''Aravalli Range''' (also spelled ''Aravali'') is a mountain range in [[Northwest India|north-western]] [[India]]. running approximately {{convert|670|km|abbr=on}} in a south-west direction, starting near [[Delhi]], passing through southern [[Haryana]]<ref name=ara8>{{cite web|url=http://aravalibiodiversitypark.in/?q=node/1 |title=Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Gurgaon |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528194722/http://aravalibiodiversitypark.in/?q=node%2F1 |archive-date=28 May 2012}}</ref> and [[Rajasthan]], and ending in Ahmedabad, [[Gujarat]].<ref name=ara3>{{citation|last=Kohli|first=M.S.|title=Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure, Pilgrimage|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GIs4zv17HHwC&pg=PA29|year=2004|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-135-1|pages=29–}}</ref><ref name=ara4>{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kpd9lLY_0-IC&q=Aravali&pg=PA92 |chapter=Aravali Range |title=Students' Britannica India |author1=Dale Hoiberg |author2=Indu Ramchandani |publisher=Popular Prakashan |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-85229-760-5 |pages=92–93}}</ref> The highest peak is [[Guru Shikhar]] in [[Mount Abu]], Rajasthan at {{convert|1722|m|abbr=on}}. The Aravalli Range is the oldest [[Fold mountains|fold-mountain]] belt in India, dating back to the [[Paleoproterozoic]] era.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Verma |first1=P. K. |last2=Greiling |first2=R. O. |date=1995-12-01 |title=Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli orogen (NW India): an inverted Proterozoic rift basin? |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00240560 |journal=Geologische Rundschau |language=en |volume=84 |issue=4 |pages=683–696 |bibcode=1995GeoRu..84..683V |doi=10.1007/BF00240560 |issn=1432-1149 |s2cid=129382615 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Roy |first1=A.B. |date=1990-01-01 |title=Evolution of the Precambrian Crust of the Aravalli Mountain Range |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166263508701737 |url-status=live |journal=Developments in Precambrian Geology |language=en |volume=8 |pages=327–347 |doi=10.1016/S0166-2635(08)70173-7 |isbn=9780444883100 |issn=0166-2635 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628223223/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166263508701737 |archive-date=28 June 2021 |access-date=28 June 2021}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
Aravalli, a composite [[Sanskrit]] word from the roots ''"ara"'' and ''"vali"'', literally means the ''"line of peaks"''.<ref name=ara2>{{cite book |title=The Geography of British India, Political & Physical |url=https://archive.org/details/geographybritis01smitgoog |author=George Smith |publisher=J. Murray |year=1882 |page=[https://archive.org/details/geographybritis01smitgoog/page/n58 23]}}</ref><ref name=ara5>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/32222/Aravali-Range |title=Aravali Range |date=13 August 2024 |publisher=Britannica.com}}</ref>

== Natural history ==
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(b) Features: Review it to ensure its comprehensive.
(c) Mining: Add the current mining activities and link it with ecological issues
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=== Geology ===
{{main|Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli Mountains}} {{see also | Geology of India}}
[[File:Indiahills.png|thumb|upright=1.36|Map of prominent mountain ranges in India, showing Aravalli in north-west India]]
The Aravalli Range, an eroded stub of ancient mountains, is believed to be the oldest range of [[fold mountains]] in India.<ref name=ara6>Roy, A. B. (1990). Evolution of the Precambrian crust of the Aravalli Range. Developments in Precambrian Geology, 8, 327–347.</ref> The [[natural history]] of the Aravalli Range dates back to times when the [[Indian Plate]] was separated from the [[Eurasian Plate]] by an ocean. The Proterozoic Aravalli-Delhi [[orogenic belt]] in northwest India is similar to the younger Himalayan-type orogenic belts of the [[Mesozoic]]-[[Cenozoic]] era (of the [[Phanerozoic]]) in terms of component parts and appears to have passed through a near-orderly [[Supercontinent cycle#Description|Wilson supercontinental cycle of events]]. The range rose in a [[Precambrian]] event called the [[Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli Mountains#Aravalli Orogeny|Aravalli]]-[[Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli Mountains#Delhi Orogeny|Delhi Orogen]]. The Aravalli Range is a northeast–southwest trending orogenic belt located in the northwestern part of Indian Peninsula. It is part of the [[Indian Shield]] that formed from a series of [[craton]]ic collisions.<ref name=":0">Mishra, D.C.; Kumar, M. Ravi. Proterozoic orogenic belts and rifting of Indian cratons: Geophysical constraints. Geoscience Frontiers. 2013 March. 5: 25–41.</ref> In ancient times, Aravalli were extremely high but since have worn down almost completely from millions of years of [[weathering]], whereas the [[Himalayas]], young fold mountains, are still continuously rising. Aravalli have stopped growing higher due to the cessation of upward thrust caused by the [[tectonic plates]] in the [[Earth's crust]] below them. The Aravalli Range joins two of the ancient Earth's crust segments that make up the greater Indian [[craton]], the [[Aravalli Craton]] which is the [[Marwar]] segment of Earth's crust to the northwest of the Aravalli Range, and the [[Bundelkand Craton]] segment of the Earth's crust to the southeast of the Aravalli Range. Cratons, generally found in the interiors of tectonic plates, are old and stable parts of the continental [[lithosphere]] that have remained relatively undeformed during the cycles of merging and rifting of continents.

[[File:Subduction-en.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Volcanic arc and geological process of undersea subduction during tectonic collusion]]
[[File:ConMarRJS.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Global [[convergent boundary]] of [[Plate tectonics#Types of plate boundaries|plate margins]]]]
It consists of two main [[Sequence (geology)|sequences]] formed in the [[Proterozoic]] [[Eon (geology)|eon]], [[metasedimentary rock]] (sedimentary rocks [[metamorphism|metamorphosed]] under pressure and heat without melting) and [[metavolcanic rock]] (metamorphosed volcanic rocks) sequences of the [[Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli Mountains#Aravalli Supergroup|Aravalli Supergroup]] and [[Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli Mountains#Delhi Supergroup|Delhi Supergroup]]. These two [[Belt Supergroup|supergroups]] rest over the [[Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli Mountains#Archean Bhilwara Gneissic Complex basement|Archean Bhilwara Gneissic Complex basement]], which is a [[gneiss]]ic (high-grade metamorphism of sedimentary or igneous rocks) [[Basement (geology)|basement]] formed during the [[archean]] [[eon (geology)|eon]] 4 [[Billion years|Ga]] ago. It started as an [[Inversion (geology)|inverted basin]], that [[rift|rifted and pulled]] apart into [[granite|granitoid]] [[Basement (geology)|basement]], initially during Aravalli [[Volcanic passive margin#Passive rifting|passive rifting]] around 2.5 to 2.0 Ga years ago and then during Delhi [[Volcanic passive margin#Active rifting|active rifting]] around 1.9 to 1.6 Ga years ago. It started with rifting of a rigid Archaean continent [[Peninsular Gneiss|banded gneissic complex]] around 2.2 Ga with the coexisting formation of the Bhilwara [[aulacogen]] in its eastern part and eventual rupturing and separation of the continent along a line parallel to the Rakhabdev (Rishabhdev) lineament to the west, simultaneous development of a [[Passive margin|passive continental margin]] with the undersea shelf rise sediments of the Aravalli-Jharol belts depositing on the attenuated crust on the eastern flank of the separated continent, subsequent destruction of the continental margin by [[Accretion (geology)|accretion]] of the Delhi [[island arc]] (a type of archipelago composed of an arc-shaped chain of volcanoes closely situated parallel to a [[convergent boundary]] between two converging tectonic plates) from the west around 1.5 Ga. This tectonic plates collision event involved early thrusting with partial [[obduction]] (overthrusting of oceanic lithosphere onto continental lithosphere at a convergent plate boundary) of the [[oceanic crust]] along the Rakhabdev lineament, flattening and eventual [[Fault (geology)#Strike-slip faults|wrenching]] (also called strike-slip plate fault, sideways horizontal movement of colliding plates with no vertical motion) parallel to the collision zone. Associated [[Mafic|mafic igneous rocks]] show both continental and oceanic [[Tholeiitic magma series#Geochemical characterization|tholeiitic geochemistry]] (magnesium and iron-rich igneous rocks) from the [[Phanerozoic]] eon (541–0&nbsp;million) with rift-related [[magma]]tic rock formations.<ref name=linkz>{{citation|doi=10.1007/BF00240560|title=Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli orogen (NW India): An inverted Proterozoic rift basin?|journal=Geologische Rundschau|volume=84|issue=4|pages=683|year=1995|last1=Verma|first1=P.K.|last2=Greiling|first2=R.O.|bibcode=1995GeoRu..84..683V|s2cid=129382615}}</ref>

The Aravalli-Delhi Orogen is an [[orogen]] event that led to a large structural deformation of the Earth's lithosphere (crust and uppermost mantle, such as Aravalli and Himalayas fold mountains) due to the interaction between tectonic plates when a continental plate is crumpled and is pushed upwards to form mountain ranges, and involve a great range of geological processes collectively called [[orogenesis]].<ref name=Waltham>{{cite book |title=Foundations of Engineering Geology |author=Tony Waltham |page=20 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JGtIHJTXaI4C&pg=PA20 |isbn=978-0-415-46959-3 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |date=2009 |edition=3rd}}</ref><ref name=Vine>{{cite book |title=Global Tectonics |author=Philip Kearey |author2=Keith A. Klepeis |author3=Frederick J. Vine |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HYqZntfg25UC&pg=PA287 |page=287 |chapter=Chapter 10: Orogenic belts |isbn=978-1-4051-0777-8 |date=2009 |publisher=Wiley-Blackwell |edition=3rd}}</ref>

=== Minerals ===
The [[Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli Mountains#Evolution of the Archean Basement|archean basement]] had served as a [[Indenter tectonics|rigid indentor]] which controlled the overall [[Mantle wedge|wedge shaped geometry]] of the orogen. [[Lithology]] of area shows that the base rocks of Aravalli are of Mewar Gneiss formed by high-grade regional [[Metamorphism|metamorphic]] processes from preexisting formations that were originally [[sedimentary rock]] with earliest life form that were formed during the [[archean]] eon, these contain fossils of [[unicellular organism]] such as [[green algae]] and [[cyanobacteria]] in [[stromatolite|stromatolitic]] carbonate ocean reefs formed during the [[paleoproterozoic]] [[Era (geology)|era]]. [[Sedimentary exhalative deposits]] of [[base metal]] [[sulfide]] ores formed extensively along several, long, linear zones in the Bhilwara aulacogen or produced local concentration in the rifted Aravalli continental margin, where rich stromatolitic [[phosphorite]]s also formed. [[Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli Mountains]] shows Mewar Gneiss rocks are overlain by Delhi Supergroup type of rocks that also have post-Aravalli intrusions. Metal sulfide ores were formed in two different epochs, lead and zinc sulfide ores were formed in the sedimentary rocks around 1.8 Ga years ago during [[Paleoproterozoic]] phase. The [[tectonic setting]] of zinc-lead-copper sulfides mineralisation in the Delhi supergroup rocks in Haryana-Delhi were formed by [[mantle plume]] volcanic action around one billion years ago covering Haryana and Rajasthan during the [[mesoproterozoic]]. In the southern part of the Aravalli supergroup arc base metal sulfides were generated near the subduction zone on the western fringe and in zones of back-arc extension to the south-east. Continued subduction produced [[tungsten]]-[[tin]] mineralisation in S-type (sedimentary unmetamorphosed rock), [[felsic]] (volcanic rock), and [[pluton]]s (crystallised solidified magma). This includes commercially viable quantities of minerals, such as [[Phosphorite|rock phosphate]], [[lead]]-[[zinc]]-[[silver]] mineral deposits at [[Zawar]], Rikahbdev [[serpentinite]], [[talc]], [[pyrophyllite]], [[asbestos]], [[apatite]], [[kyanite]] and [[beryl]].<ref name=deb1>M. Deb and Wayne David Goodfellow, 2004, [https://books.google.com/books?id=H64sxguvlpMC&dq=stromatolites+tosham+aravalli&pg=PA260 "Sediment Hosted Lead-Zinc Sulphide Deposits"], [http://www.narosa.com Narosa Publishing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729032529/http://www.narosa.com/? |date=29 July 2017 }}, pp 260.</ref><ref name=irs1>Naveed Qamar, [http://www.naveedqamar.ga/2017/01/indian-shield-rocks.html "Indian shield rocks"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720205058/http://www.naveedqamar.ga/2017/01/indian-shield-rocks.html |date=20 July 2017 }}.</ref>

=== Mining ===
Mining of copper and other metals in the Aravalli Range dates back to at least the 5th century BCE, based on [[carbon dating]].<ref name=ara9>SM Gandhi (2000) Chapter 2 – Ancient Mining and Metallurgy in Rajasthan, Crustal Evolution and Metallogeny in the Northwestern Indian Shield: A Festschrift for Asoke Mookherjee, {{ISBN|978-1842650011}}</ref><ref>Shrivastva, R. (1999). Mining of copper in ancient India. Indian Journal of History of Science, 34, 173–180</ref> Recent research indicates that copper was already mined here during the [[Sothi (archaeology)|Sothi]]-[[Siswal]] period going back to {{Circa|4000 BCE}}. Ancient [[Kalibangan]] and [[Kunal, Haryana]] settlements obtained copper here.<ref name=ara10>Jane McIntosh, [https://books.google.com/books?id=1AJO2A-CbccC&pg=PA77 ''The Ancient Indus Valley: New Perspectives.''] Understanding ancient civilizations. ABC-CLIO, 2008 {{ISBN|1576079074}} p77</ref>

=== Geographical features ===
<!--- Use north-to-south and east-to-west standard global convention for describing the sequence of the features --->
{{See also|Tectonic evolution of the Aravalli Mountains#General formation}}
[[File:Arbuda Mountains.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|The Aravalli Range, seen from the range's highest point at [[Guru Shikhar]], in Rajasthan.]]

The [[Geography of India#Cratons|Indian Craton]] includes [[List of shields and cratons#Indian Subcontinent|five major cratons]]. Cratons are part of [[continental crust]] made up of upper layer called [[Platform (geology)|platforms]] and older bottom layer called [[Basement (geology)|basement rocks]]. [[Shield (geology)|shield]]s are part of a craton where basement rock [[Outcrop|crops out]] at the surface and it is the relatively oldest and most stable part that are undeformed by the [[plate tectonics]]. The [[Aravalli Craton]] (Marwar-Mewar Craton or Western Indian Craton) covers [[Rajasthan]] as well as [[Tosham Hill range|western]] and [[South Haryana|southern]] [[Haryana]]. It includes the Mewar Craton in the east and Marwar Craton in the west. It is limited by the Great Boundary Fault in the east, the [[Thar Desert]] in the west, Indo-gangetic alluvium in the north, and the [[Son River]]-[[Narmada River]]-[[Tapti River]] basins in the south. It mainly has [[quartzite]], [[marble]], [[pelite]], [[greywacke]] and extinct volcanos exposed in the [[Aravalli-Delhi Orogen]]. [[Jodhpur Group – Malani Igneous Suite Contact|Malani Igneous Suite]] is the largest in India and third largest [[Igneous rock|igneous]] suit in the world.<ref name=cratonm2>[https://www.slideshare.net/pramodgpramod/cratons-of-india Cratons of India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912162139/https://www.slideshare.net/pramodgpramod/cratons-of-india |date=12 September 2021 }}.</ref><ref name=cratonm1>[http://mem.lyellcollection.org/content/43/1/151 Cratons of India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116100217/http://mem.lyellcollection.org/content/43/1/151 |date=16 January 2019 }}, lyellcollection.org.</ref> The uniqueness of the geological feature of Malani Igneous Suite at Jodhpur prompted the [[Geological Survey of India]] to declare the site as a [[National Geological Monument]].<ref name= GSI>{{cite book|title=National Geological Monuments|access-date=23 March 2009|chapter=Jodhpur Group-Malani Igneous Suite Contact|pages=65–67|publisher=Geological Survey of India|location=27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata,700016|year=2001|url=http://www.vedamsbooks.com/no24484.htm|archive-date=30 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330120907/http://www.vedamsbooks.com/no24484.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Tectonic-stratigraphic evolution ====
Tectonic-stratigraphic evolution of the Aravalli Range:<ref name=cratonm2/>
* [[Neoproterozoic]]: ''Marwar Group''
* 500–550 Ma: ''[[Jodhpur Group – Malani Igneous Suite Contact|Malani Igneous Suite]]''
* 720–750 Ma: ''[[Sindhrath]]/[[Punagarh]] Group''
* 800–850 Ma: ''[[Sirohi]] Group''
* 900 Ma: [[Erinpura]] granite
* [[Mesoproterozoic]]: ''Delhi Supergroup''
* 1100–900 Ma: ''South [[Delhi]] [[Fold mountains|fold belt]]''
* 1600–1450 Ma: ''North Delhi fold belt''
* [[Paleoproterozoic]]: ''[[Hindoli]] Group''
* 1800–1700 Ma: ''[[Rajsamand|Sandmata]] Complex''
* 2200–1800 Ma: ''Aravalli Supergroup'' and mineralised basin at ''[[Rajpura Dariba Mine VRM disaster|Rajpura-Dariba]]''
* [[Neoarchean]] (2900–2600 Ma): ''Mangalwar Complex'' with ''Bhilwara Group''
* [[Mesoarchean]] (3300–3000 Ma): ''Mewar gneiss'' with ''Jagat Supergroup''

==== Stratigraphic classification ====
The stratigraphic classification of the Aravalli Range can be divided into the following parts (north to south direction):

* The Archean basement is a banded gneissic complex with [[schists]] (medium grade metamorphic rock), [[gneiss]]es (high grade regional metamorphic rock), [[Peninsular Gneiss|composite gneiss]] and [[quartzite]]s. It forms the basement rock for both the Delhi Supergroup and the Aravalli Supergroup.
* Aravalli Supergroup: The Aravalli supergroup passes through [[Rajasthan]] state, dividing it into two halves, with three-fifths of Rajasthan on the western side towards the [[Thar Desert]] and two-thirds on the eastern side consisting of the catchment area of [[Banas River|Banas]] and [[Chambal River|Chambal]] rivers bordering the state of [[Madhya Pradesh]].{{Clarify |date=September 2020 |reason=Three-fifths and two-thirds add up to more than one.}} [[Guru Shikhar]], the highest peak in the Aravalli Range at {{convert|5650|ft}} in [[Mount Abu]] of Rajasthan, lies near the south-western extremity of the Central Aravalli range, close to the border with [[Gujarat]] state. The southern ''Aravalli Supergroup'' enters the northeast of [[Gujarat]] near [[Modasa]] where it lends its name to the [[Aravalli district]], and ends at the centre of the state at [[Palanpur]] near [[Ahmedabad]].
** Champaner Group is a rectangular outcrop composed of [[greywacke|subgreywacke]], [[Siliceous rocks|siliceous]] [[phyllite]], [[pelite|pelitic]] [[schist]], [[quartzite]] and pertomict [[Conglomerate (geology)|conglomerate]].
** Lunavada Group is a polygon area in the south of the Aravali Orogen composed of greywacke-phyllite
** Jharol Group is spread over 200&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> area with average width of 40&nbsp;km carbonate-free phyllite and [[arenite]] with [[turbidite]] facies and argillaceous rocks.
** Udaipur Group is a thick accumulation of greywacke-phyllite basement overlain by [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]].
** Debari Group consists of [[Carbonate]]s, [[Quartzite]], and [https://www.britannica.com/science/pelitic-rock Pelitic] rocks which are overlain by the Delwara group.
** Delwara Group is spread over a 500&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> area with average thickness of 500 m and includes basement orthoquartzite overlain by volcanic conglomerate.
** Unconformities
*** Mangalwar/Sandmata Complex and Mewar Gneiss with enclaves of the Jagat group
* Delhi Supergroup
** Alwar Group with [[Arenite|arenaceous]] and [[mafic]] volcanic rocks
*** [[Delhi Ridge]], in the north
*** Haryana Aravalli ranges, in the west
**** [[Tosham Hill range]] basement rocks include quartzite with [[chiastolite]], the upper layers of [[quartz porphyry]] [[Ring dike|ring dyke]], [[felsite]], [[welded tuff]] and [[muscovite]] [[biotite]] [[granite]] rocks which have commercially nonviable tin, tungsten and copper. The [[Tosham Hill range]], west of Bhiwani in Haryana, is the northernmost end of the Aravalli range. A northeastern extension of the Aravalli extends to the national capital of India also. Locally known as a ridge it diagonally traverses to the [[South Delhi]] (hills of [[Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary]]), where at the hills of Bandhwari, it meets the [[Haryana]]Aravalli range consisting of various isolated hills and rocky ridges passing along the southern border of [[Haryana]].<ref name=ara7>{{cite journal |last1=Bhuiyan |first1=C. |last2=Singh |first2=R. P. |last3=Kogan |first3=F. N. |year=2006 |title=Monitoring drought dynamics in the Aravalli region (India) using different indices based on ground and remote sensing data |journal=International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation |volume=8 |issue=4 |pages=289–302 |doi=10.1016/j.jag.2006.03.002 |bibcode=2006IJAEO...8..289B }}</ref>
**** [[Madhogarh Fort, Haryana|Madhogarh hill]]
**** Satnali hill
**** Nuh-Ferozepur Jhirka hill range, runs along Haryana-Rajasthan border from [[Nuh district|Nuh]] to the south of [[Ferozepur Jhirka]].
*** Rajasthan Alwar range, in the east
** Ajabgarh Group – Kumbhalgarh Group with [[carbonate]], mafic volcanic and [[Argillaceous rocks|argillaceous]] rocks
** Raialo Group with mafic volcanic and calcareous rocks

==Human history==
<!-- Notes for the editors:
Following enhancements needed:
To be inserted (with links to preexisting detailed articles on these):
(a) introductory summary para,
(b) summary of pre-history human activity e.g. rock painting, tools, etc
(c) summary sub-section on Indus Valley Civilisation sites in Haryana, Gujrat and Rajasthan,
(d} summary of other ancient civilisations
(e) summary of medieval and modern history
(f) Add images, infoboxes, if suitable.
Note: remove the points that have been already addressed.
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===Tosham Hills - Indus Civilisation mines===
The [[Tosham Hill range#Tosham Hill range Indus Valley Civilisation mines and smelters|Tosham hills]] have several [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] sites in and around the hill range as the area falls under copper-bearing zone of Southwest Haryana and Northeast Rajasthan of Aravalli hill range.<ref name=law3>{{cite journal |first1=N. |last1=Kochhar |first2=R. |last2=Kochhar |first3=D. K. |last3=Chakrabarti |year=1999 |title=A New Source of Primary Tin Ore in the Indus Civilisation |journal=South Asian Studies |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=115–118 |doi=10.1080/02666030.1999.9628571 }}</ref><ref name=law4>{{cite book |first=D. K. |last=Chakrabarti |year=2014 |chapter=Distribution and Features of the Harappan Settlements |title=History of India II : Protohistoric Foundation |publisher=[[Vivekananda International Foundation]] |location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-7305-481-5 |pages=97–143 }}</ref>

Investigation of IVC network of mineral ore needs for metallurgical work and trade, shows that the most common type of grinding stone at Harappa is of Delhi quartzite type found only in the westernmost outliers of the Aravalli Range in southern Haryana near Kaliana and Makanwas villages of Bhiwani district. The quartzite is red-pink to pinkish grey in colour and is crisscrossed with thin [[haematite]] and quartz filled fractures with sugary size grain texture.<ref name=law5>{{cite book |first=Randall |last=Law |year=2006 |chapter=Moving Mountains: The Trade and Transport of Rocks and Minerals within the Greater Indus Valley Region |title=Space and Spatial Analysis in Archaeology |editor-first=E. C. |editor-last=Robertson |editor2-first=R. D. |editor2-last=Seibert |editor3-first=D. C. |editor3-last=Fernandez |editor4-first=M. V. |editor4-last=Zender |display-editors=1 |publisher=University of Calgary Press |location=Alberta, Canada |isbn=0-8263-4022-9 }}</ref><ref name=law6>{{cite thesis |first=Randall |last=Law |year=2008 |type=PhD thesis |title=Inter-regional Interaction and Urbanism in the Ancient Indus Valley: A Geologic Provenance Study of Harappa's Rock and Mineral Assemblage |publisher=[[University of Wisconsin–Madison]] |pages=209–210 |oclc=302421826 }}</ref>

Ravindra Nath Singh and his team of [[Banaras Hindu University]] carried out [[Archaeological Survey of India|ASI]]-financed excavations of [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] site on the grounds of the Government School in Khanak, during 2014 and 2016. They found [[Periodisation of the Indus Valley Civilisation|early to mature Harappan phase IVC]] materials, pottery, semiprecious beads of [[lapis lazuli]], [[carnelian]] and others. They also found evidence of metallurgical activities, such as [[crucible]]s (used for pouring molten metal), furnace lining, burnt floor, ash and ore slugs. [[Ceramic petrography]], [[metallography]], [[scanning electron microscope]] (SEM, non-destructive, surface images of nanoscale resolution), [[energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy]] (EDXA and EDXMA non-destructive, qualitative and quantitative elemental composition) and [[transmission electron microscopy]] (TEM, destructive method) scientific studies of the material found prove that the Khanak site was inhabited by the IVC metal-workers who used the locally mined [[polymetal]]lic [[tin]], and they were also familiar with metallurgical work with [[copper]] and [[bronze]]. The lowest level of site dates back as far the pre-Harappan era to [[Sothi (archaeology)|Sothi-Siswal culture]] (6600 BP) tentatively.<ref name=sciexp1>{{citation|doi=10.1134/S1063774516060183|title=Electron microscopy methods in studies of cultural heritage sites|journal=Crystallography Reports|volume=61|issue=6|pages=873–885|year=2016|last1=Vasiliev|first1=A. L.|last2=Kovalchuk|first2=M. V.|last3=Yatsishina|first3=E. B.|bibcode=2016CryRp..61..873V|s2cid=99544227}}</ref>

=== Ganeshwar Sunari Cultural Complex ===
The Ganeshwar Sunari Cultural Complex (GSCC) is a collection of third millennium BCE settlements in the area of the Aravalli Hill Range. Among them, there are similarities in material culture, and in the production of copper tools. They are located near the copper mines.

<blockquote>
"The GSCC is east of the Harappan culture, to the north-east of [[Ahar–Banas culture|Ahar–Banas Complex]], north/north west to the Kayatha Culture and at a later date, west of the OCP-Copper Hoard sites ([[Ochre Coloured Pottery culture]]–[[Copper Hoard culture]]). Located within the regions of the Aravalli Hill Range, primarily along the Kantli, Sabi, Sota, Dohan and Bondi rivers, the GJCC is the largest copper producing community in third millennium BCE South Asia, with 385 sites documented. Archaeological indicators of the GSCC were documented primarily in Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, and Sikar districts of Rajasthan, India ..."<ref name=ara11>Uzma Z. Rizvi (2010) [http://www.networkedheritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Indices-of-interactions-Rizvi-2010.pdf Indices of Interaction: Comparisons between the Ahar–Banas and Ganeshwar Jodhpura Cultural Complex] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509152542/http://www.networkedheritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Indices-of-interactions-Rizvi-2010.pdf |date=9 May 2016 }}, in EASAA 2007: Special Session on Gilund Excavations, edited by T. Raczek and V. Shinde, pp. 51–61. British Archaeological Reports: ArchaeoPress</ref>
</blockquote>

Pottery found in the area include incised ware, and reserved slipware.

There are two main [[type site]]s, [[Ganeshwar]], and [[Sunari]], in Tehsil Kot Putli, [[Jaipur district]] (Geo coordinates: N 27° 35' 51", 76° 06' 85" E).

=== 2025 Supreme Court orders ===

On 20th November 2025 [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] issued an order stating that landforms rising over 100 meters with respect to surrounding terrain would be considered as Aravalli Hills and 2 such hills within 500 meters of each other with land between them are considered an Aravalli range. Hills under 100 m can be used for mining, making buildings and for other works.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-22 |title=Aravalli: Why India's ancient hills are at the centre of growing protests |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn5ln4wee7wo |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> However, on 29th December the Supreme Court stayed its order following protests by residents, farmers, environmentalists, lawyers and political parties.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-29 |title=Supreme Court stays own order limiting definition of Aravalli range amid row |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-stays-order-limiting-definition-of-aravalli-range-amid-row-101766992154207.html |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

== Environment ==
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Note: Remove the points that have been already addressed.
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[[File:Water body within the Sariska Reserve, Rajasthan.jpg|thumb|A lake nested within Aravali Hills.]]
[[File:Pushkar, India, Hills, Nature.jpg|thumb|Aravali Hills near Pushkar.]]

=== Climate ===
The Northern Aravalli Range in Delhi and Haryana has [[humid subtropical climate]] and [[semi-arid climate#Hot semi-arid climates|hot semi-arid]] [[continental climate]] with very hot summers and relatively cool winters.<ref name="ppu">{{cite web|url=http://www.ppu.edu.in/about-hisar.html |title=Climate of Hisar |publisher=PPU |access-date=27 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505132444/http://www.ppu.edu.in/about-hisar.html |archive-date=5 May 2012}}</ref> The main characteristics of climate in Hisar are dryness, temperature extremes, and low rainfall.<ref name="climate of hisar">{{cite web|url=http://hisar.nic.in/climate.aspx|title=Climate of Hisar|publisher=District Administration, Hisar|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327140623/http://hisar.nic.in/climate.aspx|archive-date=27 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The maximum daytime temperature during the summer varies between {{Convert|40|and|46|C|F}}. During winter, its ranges between 1.5 and 4&nbsp;°C.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/more-snowfall-in-himachal-pradesh/article5549454.ece|title=More snowfall in Himachal|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=24 March 2016|archive-date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529214422/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/more-snowfall-in-himachal-pradesh/article5549454.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Central Aravalli Range in [[Rajasthan]] has an arid and dry climate.
<!---
{{Main article|Climate of Rajasthan}}
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2013}}

The geographic features of Rajasthan are the [[Thar Desert]] and the Aravalli Range, which runs through the state from southwest to northeast, almost from one end to the other, for more than {{convert|850|km}}. [[Mount Abu]] lies at the southwestern end of the range, separated from the main ranges by the [[West Banas River]], although a series of broken ridges continues into [[Haryana]] in the direction of [[Delhi]] where it can be seen as outcrops in the form of the [[Raisina Hill]] and the ridges farther north. About three-fifths of Rajasthan lies northwest of the Aravallis, leaving two-fifths on the east and south direction.

[[File:Thar Khuri.jpg|thumb|left|Camel ride in the [[Thar Desert]] near [[Jaisalmer]]]]

The northwestern portion of Rajasthan is generally sandy and dry. Most of this region is covered by the Thar Desert which extends into adjoining portions of Pakistan. The Aravalli Range does not intercept the moisture-giving southwest [[monsoon]] winds off the [[Arabian Sea]], as it lies in a direction parallel to that of the coming monsoon winds, leaving the northwestern region in a [[rain shadow]]. The Thar Desert is thinly populated; the town of [[Jodhpur]] is the largest city in the desert and known as the gateway of Thar Desert. The desert has some major districts like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Nagour. This area is also an important defence point of view. Jodhpur airbase is Indias largest airbase and military, BSF bases are also situated here. A single civil airport is also situated in Jodhpur. The [[Northwestern thorn scrub forests]] lie in a band around the Thar Desert, between the desert and the Aravallis. This region receives less than 400&nbsp;mm of rain in an average year. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 54&nbsp;°C in the summer months or {{convert|129|°F|°C}} and drop below freezing in the winter. The [[Godwar]], [[Marwar]], and [[Shekhawati]] [[List of regions in India|regions]] lie in the thorn scrub forest zone, along with the city of [[Jodhpur]]. The [[Luni River]] and its tributaries are the major river system of Godwar and Marwar regions, draining the western slopes of the Aravallis and emptying southwest into the great [[Rann of Kutch]] wetland in neighbouring [[Gujarat]]. This river is saline in the lower reaches and remains potable only up to Balotara in Barmer district. The [[Ghaggar River]], which originates in [[Haryana]], is an intermittent stream that disappears into the sands of the Thar Desert in the northern corner of the state and is seen as a remnant of the primitive [[Saraswati]] River.

The Aravalli Range and the lands to the east and southeast of the range are generally more fertile and better watered. This region is home to the Kathiarbar–Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion, with [[tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests|tropical dry broadleaf forests]] that include [[teak]], ''[[Acacia]]'', and other trees. The hilly [[Vagad]] region, home to the cities of [[Dungarpur]] and [[Banswara]] lies in southernmost Rajasthan, on the border with [[Gujarat]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]]. With the exception of Mount Abu, Vagad is the wettest region in Rajasthan, and the most heavily forested. North of Vagad lies the [[Mewar]] region, home to the cities of [[Udaipur]] and [[Chittaurgarh]]. The [[Hadoti]] region lies to the southeast, on the border with Madhya Pradesh. North of Hadoti and Mewar lies the [[Dhundhar]] region, home to the state capital of [[Jaipur]]. [[Mewat]], the easternmost region of Rajasthan, borders [[Haryana]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]. Eastern and southeastern Rajasthan is drained by the [[Banas River|Banas]] and [[Chambal River|Chambal]] rivers, tributaries of the [[Ganges]].

[[File:View from Jaigarh Fort, Rajasthan, India – 20061001.jpg|thumb|left|Hills around [[Jaipur]], viewed from [[Jaigarh Fort]].]]
The Aravalli Range runs across the state from the southwest peak [[Guru Shikhar]] (Mount Abu), which is {{convert|1722|m}} in height, to [[Khetri]] in the northeast. This range divides the state into 60% in the northwest of the range and 40% in the southeast. The northwest tract is sandy and unproductive with little water but improves gradually from desert land in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east. The area includes the Thar Desert. The south-eastern area, higher in elevation (100 to 350&nbsp;m above sea level) and more fertile, has a very diversified topography. in the south lies the hilly tract of [[Mewar]]. In the southeast, a large area within the districts of [[Kota district|Kota]] and [[Bundi]] forms a tableland. To the northeast of these districts is a rugged region (badlands) following the line of the [[Chambal River]]. Farther north the country levels out; the flat plains of the northeastern [[Bharatpur district]] are part of an [[alluvial]] basin. [[Merta City]] lies in the geographical centre of Rajasthan.
--->

The Southern Aravalli Range in [[Gujarat]] has a [[tropical wet and dry climate]]

=== Rivers ===
Three major rivers and their tributaries flow from the Aravalli, namely Banas and Sahibi rivers which are tributaries of [[Yamuna]], as well as Luni River which flows into the [[Rann of Kutch]].

* North-to-south flowing rivers originate from the western slopes of the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, pass through the southeastern portion of the [[Thar Desert]], and end into Gujarat.
** [[Luni River]], originates in the [[Pushkar]] valley near Ajmer, ends in the marshy lands of [[Rann of Kutch]]. It used to be one of the channel of the [[Saraswati River]], as a result its banks have several [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] sites including [[Lothal]].
** [[Sakhi River]], ends in the marshy lands of Rann of Kutch.
** [[Sabarmati River]], originates on the western slopes of Aravalli Range of the [[Udaipur district]], end into the [[Gulf of Khambhat]] of the [[Arabian Sea]].
* West to north-west flowing rivers originate from the western slopes of the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, flow through semi-arid historical [[Shekhawati]] region and drain into southern Haryana. Several [[Ochre Coloured Pottery culture]] sites, also identified as late Harappan phase of [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] culture,<ref name=IVCOCP>{{Citation | editor-last = Gupta | editor-first = S.P.  | title = The 'Lost' Sarasvati and the Indus Civilisation | place = Jodhpur | publisher = Kusumanjali Prakashan | year = 1995}}</ref> have been found along the banks of these rivers.
** [[Sahibi River]], originates near [[Manoharpur]] in [[Sikar district]] flows through Haryana and meets its confluence with the Yamuna in Delhi where it is called [[Najafgarh drain]], along with its following tributaries:<ref name=culture1>[https://books.google.com/books?isbn=0391023586 Cultural Contours of India: Dr. Satya Prakash Felicitation Volume, Vijai Shankar Śrivastava, 1981]. {{ISBN|0391023586}}</ref><ref name="Sahibi1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiamapped.in/revers-in-india/haryana/sahibi-river |title=Sahibi river |access-date=18 June 2017 |archive-date=12 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012201926/http://www.indiamapped.in/revers-in-india/haryana/sahibi-river |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=AKjain>[https://books.google.com/books?id=1PjJD61h8Q0C&dq=sahibi+river&pg=PA41 Google Books: Page 41, 42, 43, 44, 47 (b) Sahibi Nadi (River), River Pollution, By A.k.jain]</ref><ref name=Dariba>[https://books.google.com/books?isbn=812460049X Minerals and Metals in Ancient India: Archaeological evidence], Arun Kumar Biswas, Sulekha Biswas, University of Michigan. 1996. {{ISBN|812460049X}}.</ref> [[Masani barrage]], is an important wildlife area.
*** [[Dohan River]], tributary of the Sahibi River, originates near [[Neem Ka Thana]] in Sikar district).
*** [[Sota River, India|Sota River]], tributary of the Sahibi River with which it merges at [[Behror]] in Alwar district.
*** [[Krishnavati river]], former tributary of Sahibi river, originates near [[Dariba, Rajasthan|Dariba]] copper mines in [[Rajsamand district]] of Rajasthan, flows through [[Patan, Rajasthan|Patan]] in [[Dausa district]] and Mothooka in [[Alwar district]], then disappears in [[Mahendragarh district]] in [[Haryana]] much before reaching Sahibi River. It previously was a tributary to the Sahibi and part of its present canalised channel is called the ''Outfall Drain No. 8''. Many important wetlands lie in its paleochannel, including [[Matanhail]], [[Chhuchhakwas|Chhuchhakwas-Godhari]], [[Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Sarbashirpur]], [[Sultanpur National Park]], [[Basai]] and The Lost Lake (Gurugram).
* West to north-east flowing rivers, originating from the eastern slopes of Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, flow northwards to [[Yamuna]].
** [[Chambal River]], a southern-side tributary of Yamuna River.
*** [[Banas River]], a northern-side tributary of Chambal River.
**** [[Berach River]], a southern-side tributary of Banas River, originates in the hills of [[Udaipur district]].
***** [[Ahar River]], a right-side (or eastern side) tributary of the Berach river, originates in the hills of Udaipur district, flows through [[Udaipur]] city and into [[Lake Pichola]].
***** [[Wagli River]], a right-side tributary of the Berach River.
***** [[Wagon River]], a right-side tributary of the Berach River.
***** [[Gambhiri River]], a right-side tributary of the Berach River.
***** [[Orai River]], a right-side tributary of the Berach River.

==Ecology==
<!-- Notes for the editors:
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(d} Any new subsections to be added?
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Ecology section cover the following (do not place environment related content here):
(a) Living organisms: flora and fauna
(b) Relationship and interactions organisms with each other. e.g symbiotic relationship between rhizobium and legume plant roots, or Competition among herbivorous animals for food.
(c) Relationship and interactions with surrounding environment.
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===Wildlife corridors===
====The Great Green Wall of India====
{{anchor| Green wall | Great wall of Aravalli | Great wall | Wall }}
{{See also|Inland_Customs_Line#Great_Hedge|l1=The Great Hedge of India}}

'''"The Great Green Wall of Aravalli"''' is a proposed 1,600&nbsp;km long and 5&nbsp;km wide green ecological corridor along Aravalli range from Gujarat to Delhi, it will be connected to [[Sivalik Hills|Shivalik]] hill range and 1.35 billion (135 crore) new native trees will be planted over 10 years to rehabilitate the forest cover in this area. To be implemented on a concept similar to the [[Great Green Wall (Africa)|Great Green Wall]] of [[Sahara]] in Africa, it will act as a buffer against pollution, 51% of which is caused by the industrial pollution, 27% by vehicles, 8% by [[Stubble burning#Stubble burning in India|crop burning]] and 5% by [[Diwali|diwali fireworks]].<ref name=wall1>[https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/want-govt-to-build-1600-km-green-wall-along-aravalli-says-activist-vijaypal-baghel-6182069/ Want govt to build 1600 km green wall along Aravalli] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224165431/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/want-govt-to-build-1600-km-green-wall-along-aravalli-says-activist-vijaypal-baghel-6182069/ |date=24 December 2019 }}, Indian Express, 24 December 2019.</ref>  It was proposed several times form the 1990s, but as of 2024 the project is still in the planning stage.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g59CelQPX74 |title=Can India's Great Green Wall stop desertification? |date=2023-10-13 |last=DW Planet A |access-date=2024-08-17 |via=YouTube}}</ref> On the [[World Environment Day]] 5 June 2025, Prime Minister Modi kickstarted the phase-I of re-greening of this green wall as extension of the ''"Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam"'' (one tree [by each person], for the mother [nature]" campaign which will last till 2027, entailing setting up 1000 permanent nurseries of the native plants for the ongoing regreening of Aravalli by replacing the foreign species. The effort also entails development of the trails, eco parks, wildlife safaris, and people's involvement in 29 districts across 4 states and 700 km mountain range.<ref>[https://theprint.in/environment/modi-to-kickstart-aravalli-green-wall-campaign-to-reforest-worlds-oldest-mountain-range/2646181 Modi to kickstart ‘Aravalli Green Wall’ campaign to reforest world’s oldest mountain range], The Print, 3 June 2025.</ref> 

The 10,000-acre [[Haryana_Forest_Department#Safari|Gurgram Safari Park]] is being developed under the Aravalli Green Wall Project to reforest and restore the mountain range.<ref>[https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/sc-pauses-aravalli-jungle-safari-eco-tourism-project-delhi-10297491/ SC pauses Aravalli jungle safari: What is the eco-tourism project at Delhi’s doorstep, and why are critics opposed to it?], Indian Express, 9 Oct 2025.</ref>

==== Northern Aravalli leopard and wildlife corridor ====
{{see also|Forests Department, Haryana#Leopards|l1=Leopards of Haryana}}
[[File:Charging Leopard-001.JPG|thumb|upright|Indian leopard.]]
{{anchor|Northern Aravalli wildlife corridor|Sariska-Delhi wildlife corridor|Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor|Sariska-Delhi leopard wildlife corridor}}

The Sariska–Delhi leopard wildlife corridor or the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor is a 200&nbsp;km long important [[biodiversity]] and [[wildlife corridor]] which runs from the [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]] in Rajasthan to Delhi Ridge.<ref name=protect1>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/haryana-government-moots-buffer-zone-to-save-asola-sanctuary/articleshow/67752163.cms Haryana Government moots buffer zone to save Asola sanctuary], ''Times of India'', 30 January 2019.</ref>

This corridor is an important habitat for the Indian [[leopard]]s and [[jackal]]s of Aravalli. In January 2019, the [[Wildlife Institute of India]] announced that they will undertake the survey of leopard and wildlife, using pugmarks and trap cameras, subsequently, leopards and jackals will be tracked via the [[Wildlife radio telemetry|radio collars]]. Urban development, especially the highways and railways bisecting the Aravalli Range and wildlife corridor in several places pose a great risk. Large parts of Aravalli are legally and physically unprotected, with no wildlife passages and little or no wildlife conservation work resulting in deaths of over 10 leopards in 4 years between January 2015 to January 2019.<ref name=hitunp1>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/death-proof-of-leopardlife-in-asola-sanctuary/story-XFkBEhQ05I2vew9M1KDSFI.html Death, proof of leopard life in Asola sanctuary], Hindustan Times, 31 January 2019.</ref><ref name=today1>[https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/10-month-old-leopard-dead-haryana-gurugram-faridabad-expressway-1442898-2019-01-30 10-month-old leopard found dead on Gurugram-Faridabad Expressway], ''India Today'', 31 January 2019.</ref><ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/leopard-killed-in-accident-on-gurugram-faridabad-road/articleshow/67755160.cms Leopard killed in accident on Gurugram-Faridabad road], ''Times of India'', 30 January 2019.</ref>

The Haryana side of the Gurugram-Faridabad Aravalli hill forests lack availability of water due to which wild animals are seldom seen there. The Government of Haryana used drones for aerial surveys and dug 22 [[ephemeral]] pits in 2018 to store the rainwater which became dry during the summer months. In January 2019, the government announced the plan to make the pit [[Perennial stream|perennial]] by connecting those with pipelines from the nearby villages.<ref name=scar1>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/leopards-keep-away-from-haryana-side-of-asola-due-to-scarcity-of-water/articleshow/67777130.cms Leopards keep away from Haryana side of Asola due to scarcity], ''Times of India'', 1 February 2019.</ref>

Human activity, such as unplanned urbanization and polluting industrial plants, also pose a great threat. There is often reluctance and denial on part of the government officials of the presence of wildlife such as leopard so that the forest land can be exploited and opened up for the intrusive human development.<ref name=risk1>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/only-30-from-5-villages-show-up-for-impact-study-on-bandhwari/articleshow/63405359.cms Only 30 villagers turn up for impact study], ''Times of India'', 2018.</ref><ref name=risk3>[https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/ngt-asks-cpcb-to-test-groundwater-sample-near-bandhwari-plant-1008325-2017-08-01 NGT asks CPCB to test groundwater sample near Bandhwari plant] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116202653/https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/ngt-asks-cpcb-to-test-groundwater-sample-near-bandhwari-plant-1008325-2017-08-01 |date=16 January 2019 }}, ''India Today'', 1 August 2017.</ref><ref name=scar1/>

This habitat is under serious threat from the wrong actions of the [[Government of Haryana]] which in 2019 passed [[Forests Department, Haryana#Flora and forests of Haryana|the amendment]] to the [[Punjab Land Alienation Act, 1900]] (PLPA). Governor has given his assent for the act, but it has not yet been notified by the Haryana government, hence it is in limbo and has not officially become a law. This amendment will reduce the Haryana's Natural Conservation Zones (NCZs) by 47% or 60,000 acres from 122,113.30 hectares to only 64,384.66 hectares. This is in violation of multiple guidelines of the [[Supreme Court of India]] as well as "[[National Capital Region (India)|NCR Planning Board]]" (NCRPB) notification which states the original 122,113.30 hectares ecologically sensitive forest of [[South Haryana]] is a forest, ''"The major natural features, identified as environmentally sensitive areas, are the extension of Aravalli ridge in Rajasthan, Haryana and NCT-Delhi; forest areas; rivers and tributaries... major lakes and water bodies such as [[Badkhal Lake|Badkhal lake]], [[Surajkund|Suraj Kund]] and [[Damdama Lake|Damdama]] in Haryana sub-region"''.<ref name=pollute1>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/law-changes-bring-aravalli-conservation-to-the-fore/story-0PKgcgblRjSoVkuJIZuu0O.html Law changes bring Aravalli conservation to the fore] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224152836/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/law-changes-bring-aravalli-conservation-to-the-fore/story-0PKgcgblRjSoVkuJIZuu0O.html |date=24 December 2019 }}, Hindustan Times, 22 December 2019.</ref> This area as part of [[#Northern Aravalli leopard and wildlife corridor|Northern Aravalli leopard and wildlife corridor]] is an important habitat for the [[Forests Department, Haryana#leopard|leopards in Haryana]].

==== Southern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor ====
This corridor runs from Sariska and Ranthmbor to [[Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary|Rann of Kutch National Park]] and [[Gir National Park]] in Gujarat.

===Nature reserves===
[[File:Asokan Pillar.JPG|thumb|upright|[[Ashoka pillar]] at Delhi Ridge, brought to Delhi from [[Topra Kalan]] by [[Firoz Shah Tughlaq]] in 1356]]

The following national parks, wildlife reserves, and forests lie in the Aravalli Range.

* [[Delhi Ridge]]
** [[Northern Ridge biodiversity park]], 87 hectares approximately near [[Delhi University]]
** [[Yamuna biodiversity park]]
** [[Neela Hauz biodiversity park]], next to [[Sanjay Van]]
** [[Sanjay Van]]
** [[Sanjay Lake]]
** [[Aravalli Biodiversity Park]]
** [[Tilpath Valley Biodiversity Park|Tilpath valley biodiversity park]], 70 hectares approximately near [[Sainik Farm]]
** [[Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary]]
* Haryana
<!-- includes maor forests that have npot yet been declared as reserved forests. yet supreme court has ordered the guidelines that the dictionary meaning of the forests must be used. -->
** [[Aravali Biodiversity Park, Gurgaon]]
** [[Madhogarh Biodiversity Park]] forest
** [[Nuh Aravalli Biodiversity Park]] forest
** [[Satnali Biodiversity Park]] forest
** [[Tosham Hill range]] biodiversity park
** [[Masani barrage]] wildlife area.
** [[Matanhail]] wildlife area
** [[Chhuchhakwas|Chhuchhakwas-Godhari]] wetland
** [[Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary]]
** [[Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary]]
** [[Sarbashirpur]]
** [[Sultanpur National Park]]
** [[Basai]]
** [[Bandhwari]] forest
** [[Mangar Bani forest]]
** [[The Lost Lake]] (Gurugram)
* Rajasthan
** [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]]
** [[Ranthambore National Park]]
** [[National Chambal Sanctuary]]
** [[Phulwari ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary]]
** [[Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary]]
** [[Todgarh-Raoli Sanctuary]]
** [[Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary]]
** [[Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary]]
** [[Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary]]
** [[Dhebar Lake#Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary|Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary]]
* Gujarat
<!-- Include only those in Aravalli range, exclude those in satpura range and/or Rann. -->
** [[Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary]]
** [[Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary]]
** [[Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary]]

===Flora===
The Aravalli Range has several forests with a diversity of environment. The Aravalli Range is characterized by dry [[deciduous forests]]. They are dominated by plant species such as dhok, acacia, and neem. These forests also support a variety of flowering plants, including roses, [[bougainvillea]], and hibiscus. The Great Green Wall of India, the Northern Aravalli Leopard and Wildlife Corridor, and the Southern Aravalli Leopard Wildlife Corridor are some of the Wildlife Corridors in this Range.<ref>{{cite web
 |title=Aravalli Range – Overview of Flora & Fauna |url=https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/social-science/aravalli-range-overview-flora-fauna/
 |website=GeeksforGeeks
 |publisher=GeeksforGeeks
 |access-date=26 December 2025
 |date=23 July 2025
}}</ref>

===Fauna===
[[File:Ranthambore National Park.JPG|thumb|upright=1.09|Ranthambore National Park, in Rajasthan]]
The Aravalli Range is rich in wildlife. The first-ever 2017 wildlife survey of a 200 square kilometre area crossing five districts (Gurgaon, Faridabad, Mewat, Rewari and Mahendergarh) of [[Haryana]] by the [[Wildlife Institute of India]] (WII) found 14 species, including [[Indian leopard|leopards]], [[striped hyena]] (7 sightings), [[golden jackal]] (9 sightings, with 92% occupancy across the survey area), [[nilgai]] (55 sightings), [[palm civet]]{{which|date=January 2023}} (7 sightings), [[Pig|wild pig]] (14 sightings), [[rhesus macaque]] (55 sightings), [[peafowl]] (57 sightings) and [[Indian crested porcupine]] (12 sightings). Encouraged by the first survey, the wildlife department has prepared a plan for a comprehensive study and census of wildlife across the whole Aravalli Range, including radio collar tracking of the wild animals.<ref name="ara1">''{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}''</ref> Well known leopard and hyena habitat is along the Ferozpure Jhirka-Nuh Aravali range as well as [[Delhi Ridge|Delhi South Ridge]] (Faridabad-Gurugram) to [[Farrukhnagar]] area on the Delhi–Haryana border, with reports of sightings in Saidpur, Lokri and Jhund Sarai Viran villages near the KMP expressway; Bhukarka 7&nbsp;km from Pataudi; Pathkori, Bhond, Mandawar in Ferozepur Jirka region.<ref>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/gurugram/traps-set-up-in-four-villages-of-farrukhnagar-after-leopard-s-presence-confirmed-by-pug-marks/story-v3yBOHdCz1ywYsQNvRFGeL.html Traps set up in four villages of Farrukhnagar after leopard's presence confirmed by pug marks], Hindustan Times, 18 January 2019.</ref>

== Concerns ==

In May 1992, some parts of the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan and Haryana were protected from mining through the Ecologically Sensitive Areas clauses of Indian laws. In 2003, the central government of India prohibited mining operations in these areas. In 2004, India's Supreme Court banned mining in the notified areas of Aravalli Range. In May 2009, the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] extended the ban on mining in an area of 448&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> across the [[Faridabad]], [[Gurgaon]] and [[Mewat]] districts in [[Haryana]], covering the Aravalli Range.<ref name=ara12>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121023205119/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-05-09/india/28155585_1_aravali-hills-minor-minerals-reclamation-and-rehabilitation SC bans all mining activity in Aravali hills area of Haryana], 9 May 2009.</ref><ref name=ara13>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=88ca3745-4632-46ec-b790-a32bfae63f22&Headline=Mission+Green%3a+SC+bans+mining+in+Aravali+hills Mission Green: SC bans mining in Aravali hills] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608191757/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=88ca3745-4632-46ec-b790-a32bfae63f22&Headline=Mission+Green%3A+SC+bans+mining+in+Aravali+hills |date=8 June 2009 }} [[Hindustan Times]], 9 May 2009.</ref> Between 2018-25, 40,175 instances of illegal mining, both major and minor have been reported in the Aravalli districts and 4,181 FIRs have been filed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Hamza |date=2025-12-26 |title=Over 7,000 illegal mining FIRs in Rajasthan in 7 years; 4,000-plus in Aravalli districts alone |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-7000-illegal-mining-firs-in-rajasthan-7-years-aravalli-districts-10439539/ |access-date=2025-12-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Hills have been completely vanished due to mining like the Bakrija hill in Haryana which was completely flattened in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-24 |title=How was hill status taken away from 90% of Aravalli?: What does the landform cover now; will northern India see more desertification? |url=https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/originals/news/savearavalli-hills-aravalli-new-definition-supreme-court-verdict-bjp-governments-vs-congress-136760379.html |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=Bhaskar English |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Bidisha SahaAakash |date=2025-12-23 |title=The Aravalli you’ve never seen: 3D maps reveal a vanishing mountain range |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/the-aravalli-hills-youve-never-seen-3d-maps-reveal-a-vanishing-mountain-range-2840616-2025-12-23 |access-date=2025-12-27 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

A 2013 report used high-resolution Cartosat-1 and LISS-IV satellite imaging to determine the existence and condition of mines in the Aravalli Range. In the Guru Gram district, the Aravalli hills occupy an area of 11,256 hectares, of which 491 (4.36%) hectares had mines, of which 16 hectares (0.14%) were abandoned flooded mines. In the Faridabad and Mewat districts, about 3610 hectares were part of mining industry, out of a total of 49,300 hectares. These mines were primarily granite and marble quarries for India's residential and real estate construction applications.<ref name=ara14>Rai and Kumar, Mapping of Mining Areas in Aravalli Hills in Gurgaon, Faridabad & Mewat Districts of Haryana Using Geo-Informatics Technology, International Journal of Remote Sensing & Geoscience, Volume 2, Issue 1, Jan. 2013</ref> In the Central Rajasthan region, Sharma states that the presence of some mining has had both positive and negative effects on neighboring agriculture and the ecosystem. The rain-induced erosion brings nutrients as well as potential contaminants.<ref name=ara15>Sharma, K. C. (2003). Perplexities and Ecoremediation of Central Aravallis of Rajasthan. Environmental Scenario for 21st Century, {{ISBN|978-8176484183}}, Chapter 20</ref>

[[environmental damage|Damage to the environment]] and ecology from the unorganized [[urbanization]], [[overexploitation]] of the natural resources including water and minerals, [[environmental effects of mining|mining]], untreated human waste and disposal, pollution, loss of forest cover and [[habitat loss|wildlife habitat]], unprotected status of most of the Aravalli and the lack of an integrated Aravalli management agency are the major causes of concern.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://science.thewire.in/environment/why-illegal-mining-in-the-aravalli-hills-should-scare-delhi-and-its-neighbours/|title=Why Illegal Mining in the Aravalli Hills Should Scare Delhi and Its Neighbours|work=The Wire|author=Hridayesh Joshi|date=22 September 2020|access-date=4 January 2021|archive-date=4 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304032142/https://science.thewire.in/environment/why-illegal-mining-in-the-aravalli-hills-should-scare-delhi-and-its-neighbours/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/the-disappearance-of-indias-aravali-hills/a-49617993|title=The disappearance of India's Aravali Hills|work=[[DW News]]|date=25 July 2019}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Aravali range inside Ranthambhore, Rajasthan.jpg|The Aravali Range inside [[Ranthambore National Park]], in [[Rajasthan]].
File:Aravali hills Udaipur Rajasthan India 2014.jpg|Aravalli Range near [[Udaipur]] [[Rajasthan]]
File:Mt. Abu.jpg|alt=Mount Abu is the tallest mountain in this range with GURU SHIKHAR as its peak.|Sunset from the sunset point of [[Mount Abu]]
</gallery>

==See also==
{{portal|Mountains|Environment|Ecology}}
{{div col|colwidth=35em}}
* {{annotated link|Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary}}, Delhi
* {{annotated link|Aravali Biodiversity Park, Gurgaon|Aravali Biodiversity Park}}
* {{annotated link|Arid Forest Research Institute}}
* {{annotated link|Hill Forts of Rajasthan}}
* {{annotated link|Pinangwan}}
{{col div end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* ''Watershed Management in Aravali Foothills'', by Gurmel Singh, S. S. Grewal, R. C. Kaushal. Published by Central Soil & Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, 1990.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Aravalli Range}}
{{Wikivoyage|Western India}}
* [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/taxonomy/term/116 Aravali Range Homepage] India Environment Portal
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060214005447/http://www.rajirrigation.gov.in/1rainfall.htm Rainfall]

{{Geography of India}}
{{GeoSouthAsia}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Aravalli Range| ]]
[[Category:Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests]]
[[Category:Landforms of Delhi]]
[[Category:Landforms of Gujarat]]
[[Category:Landforms of Haryana]]
[[Category:Landforms of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Mountain ranges of India]]