Aravalli Range: Guardian of India
The Southern Aravallis, specifically in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan and spilling over the Gujarat border, constitute a rich bio-diversity hotspot that has been largely ignored scientists and researchers. Yes, scant initial biodiversity documentation has been carried out by independent researchers. Posthumous documentation and action are now underway in the northern stretches of this 692-kilometer Aravallis' range as the destruction – and its costs – are manifesting themselves in the form of dust storms and water shortages in the Aravalli regions around Delhi and stretching across northern districts of Rajasthan. Though the attention of the short-sighted vested interests are now landing on the mountains of stones, rocks, trees and land of this final safe-haven of life in this range, there is an ominous lag in scientific and conservation activity.
We are a small group of people working together to conserve the mountains, forests and community through collective action and practical alternative economic activities.
Learn about the Aravalli Kendra.
Articles
"Aravallis Deserve Natural World Heritage Status." Mackenzie Mihir, 2023.
This article describes the importance of the Aravallis in arresting desertification in India.
"The Greening of the Aravallis" by Kishore Saint, 1986.
The Forum Gazette Vol. 1 No. 8 September 16-30, 1986 | PDF | Punjab | Mahatma Gandhi (scribd.com)
This article outlines the urgent imperative to conserve the Aravallis, written by prophetic activistic and practioner, Kishore Saint, over 35 years ago.
For full PDF click here.
“Aravallis: A Mountain Lost.” 2019. Aravallis: A mountain lost (downtoearth.org.in)
This short article provides basic background on the history and importance of the Aravali Mountain Folds.
How shrinking Aravalis opened giant gateway for dust pollution in Delhi-NCR | Gurgaon News - Times of India (indiatimes.com). 2018. As the greatest destruction of the Aravalis has happened in and around Delhi, the impacts of destroying this geographical shield are first being observed there.
The Bhil Tribe
The Bhils are among the most ancient people of India and hold a rich history far beyond Rajasthan and Gujarat. They are truly adi, ancient, vasi, residents, of this land, arguable their lineage goes back to the first groups of humans that walked here from Africa. Even today, the Bhils live in close contact with the forest and nature, farming only for basic sustenance. Their rituals and beliefs reveal a kind of nature-worship. The Bhils can be counted as some of the few remaining people on this planet that truly know how to live lightly on the earth, though it is clear now that as their ecological foundation is being destroyed, the new generations are learning less and less of their traditional indigenous knowledge. The time is now to support this community before it loses its form in the melting pot of modernity.