In Rajasthan, amid claims of preserving the Aravalli mountain range, the 100-meter formula emerges as its greatest threat. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) reports that mining across approximately 10,000 Aravalli hills continues to deplete this ancient range, necessitating immediate intervention.
Following this report, the Central Empowered Committee recommended a mining ban to the Supreme Court of India. In response, the central government suggested implementing the Richard Barfi landform theory nationwide, recognizing only hills over 100 meters as mountains and Aravalli.
Across the nation, this formula faces criticism for accelerating Aravalli's destruction. Ground reports from Kherani in NCR's Bhiwadi, just 80 kilometers from Delhi, highlight alarming conditions. FSI's report notes the near disappearance of Aravalli hills in this region.
Mining mafia have extensively dug into mountains 200 to 300 feet tall, while crusher plants operate adjacent to forest department lands, leaving no trace of Aravalli in sight.
Locals report that licensed leaseholders exploit the rule, misleading authorities by falsely excluding hills over 60 meters from the Aravalli range, then proceed to dismantle surrounding hills. Despite a 2003 Supreme Court ban on Aravalli mining, Rajasthan's 2008 permissions based on this rule continue unchecked.
On-site observations show excavations extending 500 meters. Accusations suggest collusion between forest and mining departments, as several 2008-2015 granted leases failed scrutiny yet faced no substantive government action. Consequently, local alarm over the 100-meter rule persists.
