युवा आवेग

One of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli Range stretches about 800 kilometres from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Haryana and Delhi. The climate, ecology, and civilisation of northwest India have been greatly influenced by the Aravallis, who are older than the Himalayas. However, the Aravalli issue—a complicated problem combining illegal mining, deforestation, urbanisation, and lax enforcement of environmental laws—is currently centred around this historic range.

237.1) Ecological Importance of the Aravallis

Desertification is naturally prevented by the Aravalli Range. It stops the Thar Desert from spreading eastward into the lush plains of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Leopards, hyenas, jackals, and a number of endangered bird species are among the varied flora and fauna found in the hills. Additionally, they maintain water availability in an otherwise semi-arid area by acting as a crucial groundwater recharge zone that feeds rivers like the Banas, Luni, and Sahibi.

The Aravallis serve as the "green lungs" of cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Jaipur, assisting in temperature regulation, lowering air pollution, and preserving ecological balance.

237.2) The Core of the Aravalli Issue

Illegal and uncontrolled mining, especially for building materials, is the most urgent issue. In many places, mining persists despite several prohibitions and limitations issued by the Supreme Court and environmental authorities—often under the pretence of "farmhouses," "real estate development," or "land levelling."

Rapid urbanisation has caused extensive deforestation and changes in land use in addition to mining. Roads, housing developments, resorts, and industrial facilities have all encroached on forest land. Large areas of the Aravallis have been entirely levelled or degraded in Rajasthan and Haryana.

Legal dilution is another significant problem. Activities that would normally be forbidden have been made possible by insufficient implementation, modifications to land classification, and amendments to forest and environmental legislation. In many instances, areas that were previously thought to be forest land were reclassified as "non-forest" in order to allow construction.

237.3) Environmental and Social Consequences

The effects of the Aravallis' deterioration are extensive. Water scarcity is one of the most obvious consequences. Groundwater levels drop as a result of natural aquifers failing to recharge due to the destruction of hill formations. The water issue in places like Gurugram and Faridabad has gotten worse as a result.

Particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), the loss of greenery has increased air pollution and heat. Particulate matter in the air is greatly increased by dust from mining operations, which exacerbates respiratory ailments.

Another serious issue is the loss of biodiversity. Conflict between humans and animals has grown as a result of forest corridor fragmentation, and habitat loss is causing the extinction of numerous native plant and animal species.

Local communities are also impacted, especially those in rural and indigenous areas. They frequently gain little from major development initiatives and lose access to clean water, forest resources, and traditional livelihoods.

237.4) Legal and Institutional Responses

The Indian Supreme Court has intervened several times, ordering state governments to preserve forest land and prohibiting mining in some areas of the Aravallis. Additionally, decisions against illicit mining and construction have been issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Enforcement is still uneven, though. When state governments, forest departments, and urban development authorities have overlapping jurisdiction, it frequently results in blame-shifting and delay. Conservation initiatives are further undermined by political forces and economic interests.

237.5) The Way Forward

A multifaceted strategy is needed to address the Aravalli issue:

1) Strict Enforcement of Laws: Current construction and mining prohibitions must be strictly enforced, with open oversight and severe penalties for infractions.

2) Clear Forest Definition: To avoid abusing legal loopholes, forest land must be defined consistently and scientifically.

3) Ecological Restoration: Native species should be used for soil restoration and extensive afforestation in degraded areas.

4) Sustainable Urban Planning: Environmental impact studies are required, and development projects must respect ecological boundaries.

5) Community Involvement: Local populations should take an active role in conservation initiatives and gain from eco-friendly means of subsistence.

237.6) Conclusion

The Aravalli Range is a living system that is essential to India's environmental future rather than merely a geological artefact. An indication of excessive growth and environmental disregard is the continuous devastation of the Aravallis. Millions of people's well-being, water security, and climate resilience all depend on the preservation of this ancient mountain range. Before irreparable harm is done, the Aravalli situation requires immediate, coordinated response.

Team Yuva Aaveg-

Adarsh Tiwari

🌟 Join Yuva Aaveg! 🌟
A vibrant community dedicated to empowering youth with the latest insights, discussions, and updates on topics that matter. Connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and stay inspired to make a difference.

📲 Join us on WhatsApp and Telegram for exclusive updates and engaging conversations!

WhatsApp

 Telegram