Why most hills in Gurugram, Faridabad could disappear from maps

**Why Most Hills in Gurugram and Faridabad Could Disappear from Maps**

*By Chanshimla Varah | October 10, 2025, 8:32 PM*

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**The Story**

The Haryana Mines and Geology Department has proposed a new definition for the Aravali Hills. According to a recent proposal sent to the state Environment and Forests Department on October 4, only hills and ranges that belong to the Aravali Supergroup and Delhi Supergroup will be classified as “Aravali Hills and Ranges.” These geological formations must have originated between 2.5 billion and one billion years ago and must rise at least 100 meters above the surrounding land.

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**Impact of Exclusion**

This proposed definition excludes younger hills from the Neoproterozoic era (approximately 1 billion to 540 million years ago) as well as smaller landforms. Conservationists warn that this change could strip many hills—currently protected by law and serving crucial ecological functions—of their legal safeguards.

MD Sinha, a former Conservator of Forests in South Haryana, told *The Indian Express* that the 100-meter height criterion could effectively remove most of the Gurgaon and Faridabad Aravali hills from official maps. “These areas are mostly scrub hills and grasslands with small forest patches,” he explained.

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**Government Rationale**

The Mines and Geology Department asserts that the new definition aligns with the Geological Survey of India’s classification. Their aim is to include only ancient, continuous ranges composed of rocks from the Aravali or Delhi Supergroups. The department also cited Rajasthan’s 100-meter height rule as a precedent for this change.

However, Sinha argues that neither the age nor the height of these hills should determine their ecological importance. He cautions that applying such criteria could lead to a significant reduction in forest cover across Haryana.

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**Ecological Consequences**

The Aravali hills play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, storing groundwater, trapping heat, and regulating the climate within the Delhi-NCR region. Losing protection for these hills could worsen dust pollution, water shortages, and extreme weather events.

Sinha warns that only a few powerful landowners would benefit from opening up these unprotected hills for real estate development. Furthermore, he fears this move could set a dangerous precedent, prompting other states and even Delhi to adopt similar definitions.

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**Forest Conservation and the New Definition of Forest**

In August, the Haryana government also introduced a new definition of “forest” for conservation purposes. According to the notification, only land patches measuring at least five hectares, or two hectares with a minimum canopy density of 40%, will be recognized as forests. Linear plantations and orchards outside these designated areas will no longer qualify as forests.

Sinha expressed concern over these changes, stating, “The NCR region already suffers from high dust loads due to dryness. Reducing vegetation will worsen pollution and disrupt local climate regulation. The Aravalis are vital for mitigating these issues.”

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The proposed redefinition of the Aravali Hills and forests raises significant concerns about future environmental stability and conservation efforts in Haryana’s rapidly urbanizing regions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/why-most-hills-in-gurugram-faridabad-could-disappear-from-maps/story

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