Aravalli Mountain Range
Ancient Mountain System: The Aravallis are among the oldest surviving fold mountain systems in the world, with geological origins dating back nearly 1.5 billion years.
Geographical Extent: The range extends for about 690 km, running from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi, forming an important geographical feature of north-western India.
Desertification Control: The Aravallis act as a natural barrier against the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert, helping control desertification in adjoining regions.
Climate and Water Regulation: The range influences regional climate and rainfall and plays an important role in groundwater recharge and maintenance of local water resources.
Ecological Importance: The Aravallis support tropical dry deciduous forests, diverse flora and fauna, and provide important ecosystem services to surrounding populations.
Delhi-NCR Protection: The hills function as a green buffer against air pollution, particularly benefiting the Delhi-NCR region, while also supporting rural livelihoods.
Major Threats and Conservation: Mining, urbanisation and infrastructure expansion have severely degraded the range. Ambiguities in its legal definition have complicated conservation, leading to interventions by courts and expert committees.
With reference to the Aravalli Mountain Range, consider the following statements:
- The Aravallis are among the oldest surviving fold mountain systems in the world.
- The Aravallis help check the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.
- The Aravallis play a role in groundwater recharge and regional climate regulation.
- Mining and urbanisation are among the major threats to the Aravalli ecosystem.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Answer: (b)