M. M. Sheikh

The Aravali Hills, among the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, extend over approximately 692 km across northwestern India and perform vital ecological functions, including regional climate regulation, groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation, and mitigation of desertification. The hills formed over 2.5 billion years ago, making them older than the Himalayas. The Guru Shikhar (1,722 meters) located in the Sirohi district near Mount Abu. It serves as a natural “Green Wall” preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert into the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains. Despite their strategic environmental significance, the Aravali ecosystem has experienced severe degradation over recent decades due to unregulated mining, deforestation, rapid urban and industrial expansion, and increasing climate variability. This study critically assesses the current ecological status of the Aravali Hills and evaluates the effectiveness of restoration initiatives undertaken in the region. The findings indicate that while localized interventions, such as afforestation programmes, mine reclamation, watershed development, and the establishment of biodiversity parks, have resulted in partial improvements in vegetation cover and ecosystem functions. The paper identifies key drivers of environmental degradation and highlights gaps in policy implementation, governance, and long-term ecological monitoring. It proposes a sustainable restoration framework that integrates strict regulatory enforcement, community participation, scientific monitoring using geospatial tools, and climate-resilient ecological practices to ensure long- term restoration and sustainable management of the Aravali ecosystem.