As Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with hazardous air quality levels, environmental organisation Earth Companions Foundation (ECF) has renewed its call for urgent protection of the Aravalli range, highlighting its direct connection with the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital. The Foundation has also launched a renewed citizen outreach urging Indians to become Green Ambassadors, grounded in Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution, which places a fundamental duty on citizens to protect the natural environment.
The Aravalli hills—one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges—play a crucial ecological role in preventing desertification, regulating microclimates, supporting groundwater recharge, and acting as a natural dust and pollution barrier for Delhi-NCR. Environmental experts have consistently warned that large-scale degradation of the Aravallis due to mining, deforestation, and unregulated construction has directly contributed to rising pollution levels in the region.
According to ECF, the link between the deterioration of the Aravallis and Delhi’s recurring AQI emergencies can no longer be ignored. “The Aravallis are not just hills; they are a living environmental shield. Their destruction weakens Delhi’s natural defence against dust storms, heatwaves, and toxic air,” the Foundation stated.
Delhi AQI: A Public Health Emergency
Delhi has repeatedly recorded AQI levels in the “severe” and “severe-plus” categories, posing serious health risks to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. While emergency measures such as traffic restrictions and construction bans offer short-term relief, environmental groups argue that long-term ecological protection is the only sustainable solution.
Earth Companions Foundation emphasises that restoring and safeguarding natural ecosystems like the Aravallis is essential to tackling air pollution at its root rather than relying solely on reactive measures.
Article 51A(g): A Constitutional Responsibility
At the heart of ECF’s campaign is Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution, which states that it is the duty of every citizen “to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.”
“Environmental protection is not optional—it is constitutional,” ECF noted. While Article 51A does not grant enforceable rights, it has been repeatedly recognised by courts as a guiding principle for environmental governance and citizen participation. The Foundation believes this constitutional duty empowers ordinary citizens to act against environmental degradation through awareness, advocacy, and lawful action.
Become a Green Ambassador
In line with this constitutional mandate, Earth Companions Foundation has invited citizens, students, professionals, and community leaders to become Green Ambassadors—individuals committed to environmental awareness, local action, and responsible citizenship.
Green Ambassadors will work to:
Raise awareness about the ecological importance of the Aravalli range
Advocate against illegal mining and environmental violations
Promote sustainable lifestyles and climate-conscious choices
Educate communities about air pollution and public health links
Uphold the spirit of Article 51A(g) through informed civic action
“Protecting the environment cannot be left to institutions alone. Article 51A(g) makes every Indian a stakeholder in ecological preservation,” the Foundation said.
A Call for Collective Action
Earth Companions Foundation stressed that saving the Aravallis is not an anti-development stance but a call for sustainable development that balances economic growth with ecological security. The Foundation urged policymakers, enforcement agencies, and citizens to work together to prevent irreversible environmental damage.
As Delhi once again faces alarming AQI levels, ECF’s message is clear: environmental protection begins with constitutional awareness and citizen responsibility. Safeguarding the Aravallis today is essential for ensuring cleaner air, healthier cities, and a sustainable future for generations to come.
For more information on Earth Companions Foundation and the Green Ambassador initiative, visit www.ecfglobal.in or email us at [email protected].
