Are people residing around Aravallis becoming Hanuman ?

With as many as 31 off the 128 hills and hillocks of the Aravallis getting disappeared in the last many years till 2018  a member of panel  of  the Apex court asked as if humans have become Hanuman due to which there have been a disappearance in the number of hills in the ranges.

This comment/pun came from the member at a time when there has been a huge upsurge in illegal mining over the last few year.

Background

Aravallis are the oldest mountain ranges of the world and are spread across 4 states i.e., Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana over 700 kms having its highest point at Gurushikhar(1722m) in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. Apart from having a direct impact on the micro climate and hydrological situation of the area, the ranges have a significant impact on the biodiversity and ecosystem of the entire region, supporting open forests, notable forts, and temples of historical significance.

The Aravalli's importance as the primary source of aquifer recharge in the national capital region (NCR) cannot be overstated. Aravalli's worn rocks—fissured and heavily jointed quartzite, schist, and phyllites—create suitable zones for rainwater infiltration and contribute to the aquifers below. Furthermore, the Aravalli serves as a lung for the packed population of Delhi-NCR.

Main Story 

The order gave the Rajasthan government 48 hours to stop illicit mining in a 115.34-hectare region of the Aravalli hills. The court had already ordered the destruction of buildings built after August 18, 1992 in Faridabad's Kant Enclave.

In another case SC came to a conclusion that the damage done to Aravalli Hills in Haryana is irreversible and ordered the demolition of structures along the forested tracts dated august 18, 1992 and effectively prohibiting any further construction in the area and thereby saving approx 30,000 acres of the land in Gurugram and Faridabad.

Districts such as Alwar, Firzpur Jhirka, Jaipur, Ajmer, Kishangarh, Pali, Sirohi, Jalore face thr brunt of  scraping of hills. As granites in South Rajasthan are in high demand the Aravalis are becoming more vulnerable with each passing day. 

According to a 2016 study conducted by the WII in southern Haryana, the northern extension of the Aravalli Region in Haryana's Gurgaon, Faridabad, Mewat, Mahendargarh, and Rewari districts is also the most 'degraded' forest range in the country.