17-May-2024-Editorial

NO FRESH MINING LEASES, RENEWALS IN ARAVALLIS, SUPREME COURT ORDERS 

The Supreme Court has recently halted new mining licenses and renewals in the Aravalli ranges based on a report by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).  

Despite a significant increase in Haryana’s revenue from legal mining over the past decade, environmental concerns have necessitated stringent actions. 

Key Facts About the Aravalli Range 

Geological Significance: 

• One of the world’s oldest fold residual mountains. 
• Formed during the Proterozoic Era (2500-541 million years ago) from tectonic plate convergence. 

Geographical Extent: 

• Includes hills and a 100-meter-wide buffer zone around their downsides. 
• Elevation ranges from 300m to 900m. 
• Divided into two main ranges: Sambhar Sirohi Range and Sambhar Khetri Range in Rajasthan. 
• Guru Shikhar Peak on Mount Abu is the highest peak (1,722 m). 

Demographics: 

• Home to tribal communities such as the Bhil, Bhil-Meena, Meena, and Garasia. 

Legal Framework: 

• Supreme Court ordered a complete ban on mining in certain Haryana districts (Faridabad, Gurgaon, Nuh) in 2009. 

Significance of the Aravalli Range 

Biodiversity: 

• Habitat for 300 native plant species, 120 bird species, and various animals like jackals and mongooses. 

Ecological Barrier: 

• Acts as a barrier between the fertile plains in the east and the Thar Desert in the west. 
• Prevents desertification and the spread of the Thar Desert. 

Climate Regulation: 

• Influences the climate of northwest India by guiding monsoon winds and protecting against cold westerly winds. 
• Supports the nourishment of sub-Himalayan rivers and aids in contributing to rainfall in the northern Indian plains. 

Concerns  

Habitat Destruction and Biodiversity Loss: 

• Mining activities disrupt ecosystems, displacing wildlife like leopards, hyenas, and various bird species. 
• Threatens the habitat of critically endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard. 

Water Scarcity and Air Pollution: 

• Disruption of natural water flow and table recharge leads to water scarcity downstream. 
• Mining generates dust and releases harmful pollutants, causing air quality issues and respiratory problems. 

Land Degradation and Desertification: 

• Removal of vegetation cover exposes soil to erosion, leading to desertification. 
• Significant decline in forest cover linked to mining activities (37% decline in Haryana between 2001 and 2016). 

Way Forward 

Stricter Regulations: 

• Implement and enforce stricter regulations to minimize environmental damage. 
• The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) promotes regulations on dust emissions, applicable to mining operations. 

Innovative Solutions: 

• Use green walls (vertical plant structures) and green mufflers (plants to control noise pollution) to reduce environmental impacts. 
• Properly reclaim and restore mined areas to minimize long-term ecological damage. 

Eco-friendly Mining Techniques: 

• Adopt eco-friendly mining techniques to reduce environmental footprint. 
• Use alternatives like M-sand to reduce environmental degradation associated with mining. 

Alternative Livelihood Opportunities: 

• Support communities dependent on mining by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. 
• Encourage sectors like agriculture, horticulture, and eco-tourism. 

Conclusion 

• The Aravalli Range is a crucial ecological zone requiring comprehensive protection.  
• Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability demands a multi-faceted approach involving stricter regulations, responsible mining practices, and alternative sources of income for affected communities.  
• Ensuring the ecological integrity of the Aravallis is vital for maintaining biodiversity, preventing desertification, and regulating the climate in northwest India.