Two Haryana Youth Launch Unique Mission to Save Aravalli Hills, Begin Journey from Highest Peak

When determination and motive join hands, even the most difficult tasks become achievable. With an important message about the conservation of the environment, two youths from the state of Haryana have started an unusual and quite difficult task to protect Aravalli, which is among the oldest mountain ranges in the world.

Mountaineer Navdeep Bajiya, known internationally and a resident of Dhani Dult village in Fatehabad, has climbed some of the highest mountains in the world, including Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Elbrus, to raise awareness about protecting the environment. However, this time, his objective isn’t to climb mountains but to save them.

In spite of the extreme conditions prevailing during the winters, Navdeep has embarked upon an over 800 km long foot march from the Aravalli hills near the President's Estate, Delhi, to the highest point in the Aravalli hills, Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The entire route would be covered on foot. Along with him is his friend Abhishek, who is assisting him by riding his motorbike with necessary provisions along the route.

Why the Aravallis Matter

The Aravalli mountain range is spread across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi and is an imperative part of sustaining balance in the environment in North India. The range serves as an efficient boundary to desertification and plays an essential role in recharging groundwater resources in North India in addition to sustaining biodiversity in the region. The region has various rare plant species and wildlife.

Increasing Environmental Worries

Environmentalists have shown increasing alarm regarding the destruction of the Aravallis by the forcing effects of mining, land encroachments, and illegal constructions, especially after the recent developments that have surfaced after the 100-meter Supreme Court norm. Various groups have been conducting protests and campaigns to save the fragile environment.

According to Navdeep, the Aravallis are not mere hills, they are the lifeline of North India. “If the Aravallis become extinct, the effects of the extinction will not be reversible in respect to water levels, the environment, and life,” Navdeep explained. “It's not a choice, it's a responsibility,” he added.

By this padayatra, Navdeep and Abhishek are trying to create support among the masses and bring about a mass movement for the conservation of Aravallis. They have urged citizens to join this cause and raise their voices for this ancient range.