ARAVALI RANGE : ENVIRONMENT
NEWS
: Illegal mining,
encroachments, deforestation a threat to Aravali as natural green wall
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS ?
The Aravali range is facing a severe threat from
illegal mining, deforestation, and human encroachments, which have led to environmental
degradation as well as depletion of groundwater reserves in the region.
Aravali Range :
- Location: Extends 692 km with a
width of 10-120 km; forms an ecotone between Thar Desert and Gangetic
plain.
- States
Covered: Rajasthan (80%), Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat
(20%).
- Geography:
Rugged hills, rocky outcrops, sparse vegetation.
- The range comprises over 500
hillocks, and the altitude of its highest peak, Guru
Shikhar in Mount Abu
- Significance:
- Acts
as a natural barrier against desertification.
- Regulates
climate and supports diverse ecosystems.
- Watershed
for rivers like Sabarmati, Luni,
and Banas.
Environmental Concerns:
- Forest Area Decrease:
From 1999-2019, forest cover decreased by 0.9% over 75,572.8 sq. km.
- Mining
Expansion: Mining area increased from 1.8% in 1975 to
2.2% in 2019, especially in districts like Jaipur, Sikar, Alwar, etc.
- Carbon
Flux: High positive carbon flux in regions with
high rainfall and protected areas. The southern part is greener due to
less population and anthropogenic disturbances.
WAYAHEAD:
- LiDAR-Based Survey: A
LiDAR drone survey is needed for identifying and mitigating illegal mining
activities.
- Aravali
Development Authority: An independent authority should be
established for sustainable preservation.
- Mining
Ban: Implement a ban on all forms of mining in
the Aravali region to protect its ecology and biodiversity.
Source : https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/95469/OPS/GCGD644D4.1+GA6D76H6J.1.html