How does the lack of a clear definition for the Aravalli hills affect environmental protection and land use policies?

The Aravalli hills are one of the oldest mountain ranges in India and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in north-western India. However, the absence of a clear and universally accepted definition or demarcation of the Aravalli hills has led to several challenges in environmental protection and land use policy.

• Legal Ambiguity: Without a precise definition, it becomes difficult to enforce environmental laws such as the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 or the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Authorities may face hurdles in identifying which areas qualify for legal protection.
• Land Use Conflicts: Unclear boundaries allow for disputes over land classification—whether it is forest, agricultural, or urban land. This ambiguity can be exploited for illegal mining, encroachment, and unauthorized construction.
• Conservation Efforts Hampered: Conservation projects depend on well-defined geographical areas. The lack of clarity makes it hard to plan afforestation, wildlife protection, and water conservation initiatives effectively.
• Judicial Challenges: Courts often require clear demarcation to pass effective orders. In the case of the Aravallis, lack of definition leads to delays and difficulties in implementing court directives regarding environmental protection.
• Policy Implementation Issues: Government schemes and policies aimed at protecting the Aravallis cannot be efficiently implemented if the target area is not clearly mapped. This leads to poor monitoring and weak enforcement.
• Impact on Local Communities: Unclear land status affects the rights and livelihoods of local people, as they may lose access to traditional lands or face eviction without proper legal backing.