The air quality index in Delhi has seen a rare summer spike, reaching 300 one morning, due to hot, dry winds lifting dust from Rajasthan's deserts and semi-arid regions.
The destruction of the Aravalli ranges, which once acted as a natural barrier, has been pinpointed as the culprit behind the pollution.
Decades of mining, quarrying, and encroachment have breached the ridgeline, allowing dust to move through unimpeded.
Experts stress the need to protect the Aravallis and maintain zoning prohibitions on real estate and control mining to reduce desertification and enhance air quality.
A study published in March revealed that built-up areas in the region grew by 53% in just seven years, primarily replacing croplands and rangelands.
The Supreme Court's ruling in November 2025 has sparked concerns about the future of the Aravalli range, with researchers calling for comprehensive scientific studies to facilitate informed policymaking.
