21-August-2024-Special-Article

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: ARAVALI RANGE

The Aravalli Range, stretching from Gujarat to Delhi, is a vital ecological zone in India. Recent studies reveal severe environmental issues impacting this region, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation measures.

This range, often considered a natural barrier against desertification, is facing significant threats due to human activities such as mining and urban expansion.

Key Challenges Identified

Loss of Hills

Extent of Loss: From 1975 to 2019, approximately 8% of the Aravalli hills (5,772.7 sq km) have been lost.

• 5% (3,676 sq km) converted to barren land.
• 1% (776.8 sq km) turned into settlements.

Impact: The destruction contributes to the Thar Desert’s spread towards the National Capital Region (NCR), leading to increased desertification, pollution, and unpredictable weather patterns.

Mining Expansion

• Increase in Mining: Mining area grew from 1.8% in 1975 to 2.2% in 2019.
• Illegal Mining: Over 25% of the Aravallis and 31 hill ranges in Rajasthan have been affected by illegal quarrying.
• Pollution: Mining has been a major source of air pollution in the NCR, particularly through Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM).

Rise in Human Settlements

• Settlement Growth: Human settlements in the Aravallis increased from 4.5% in 1975 to 13.3% in 2019.
• Forest Cover Decline: Significant drop in forest cover by 32% in the central range between 1975 and 2019, with an average annual deforestation rate of 0.57%.

Water Bodies and Aquifers

• Decline in Water Bodies: Water bodies increased from 1.7% in 1975 to 1.9% in 1989 but have since declined.
• Aquifer Disruption: Mining has disrupted aquifers, leading to dry lakes and the formation of new depressions.

Protected Areas

• Positive Impact: Protected areas like Todgarh-Raoli and Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuaries have mitigated forest depletion in their zones.

Vegetation Health

• Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI): The EVI in the upper central Aravalli region (Nagaur district) indicates unhealthy vegetation with values as low as 0 to -0.2.

Future Projections

• Projected Loss: By 2059, the Aravali area is expected to lose 22% (16,360 sq km), with 3.5% (2,628.6 sq km) potentially allocated for mining.

Biodiversity and River Health

• Flora and Fauna Decline: Significant reduction in species such as leopards, hyenas, and jackals.
• Dead Rivers: Rivers originating in the Aravallis, including Banas and Luni, are drying up.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Loss of natural forests has escalated conflicts between humans and wildlife.

Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI)

About EVI

• Definition: EVI is an advanced vegetation index designed to enhance sensitivity to biomass, atmospheric conditions, and soil quality.
• Comparison: It improves upon the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) by reducing external noise.

EVI Value Range

• Range: Values span from 0 to 1.

• Closer to 1: Indicates healthy vegetation.
• Closer to 0: Indicates unhealthy vegetation.

About Aravalis

Geographic Extent

• Length and Width: Extends 692 km from Gujarat to Delhi, varying between 10 to 120 km in width.
• Distribution: 80% in Rajasthan, 20% in Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
• Ranges: Divided into Sambhar Sirohi and Sambhar Khetri Ranges.

Ecotone Role

• Ecotone Definition: The Aravallis serve as an ecotone between the Thar Desert and the Gangetic Plain.

Significance

• Desert Barrier: Prevents Thar Desert encroachment into Indo-Gangetic plains.
• Biodiversity: Supports 300 native plant species, 120 bird species, and various animals.
• Monsoon and Winter Impact: Directs monsoon clouds and shields valleys from cold winds.
• Groundwater: Contributes to groundwater replenishment and mitigates air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Supreme Court Rulings and Legal Notifications

2018 Ruling

• Action: Banned illegal construction in Haryana’s Aravallis and mandated demolition of the Kant Enclave.

2009 Order

• Mining Ban: Imposed a ban on mining activities across the Aravallis.

2002 Order

• Haryana Mining Ban: Prohibited mining in Haryana due to environmental damage.

1996 Ruling

• Mining Leases: Restricted renewal of mining leases near Badkhal Lake without pollution board permission.

Precautionary Principle (1996)

• Application: Requires governments to prevent environmental harm proactively.

National Green Tribunal (2010)

• Principle: Applied precautionary principles for environmental protection.

MoEFCC Notification (1992)

• Restrictions: Banned new industries, mining, and deforestation in the Aravallis without prior MoEFCC permission.

Other Government Measures

• Air Quality Management: Established the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR.
• Aravalli Rejuvenation Board: Formed to tackle illegal mining.

Way Forward

Implement Aravali Green Wall Project

• Objective: Create a 1,400 km green belt to restore ecological balance and combat desertification.

Adopt Restoration Models

• Examples: Follow successful biodiversity parks by engaging civil society and corporates.

Strengthen Legal and Regulatory Measures

• Compliance: Enforce court rulings and environmental regulations strictly.
• Zoning Laws: Implement to prevent encroachment and illegal settlements.

Empower Rejuvenation Bodies

• Role: Enhance the effectiveness of the Aravali Rejuvenation Board in curbing illegal activities.

Conclusion

Immediate and strategic actions are crucial to reverse the degradation of the Aravalli Range. By enforcing legal measures, investing in large-scale restoration projects, and adopting successful conservation models, the Aravallis can be preserved for future generations, ensuring biodiversity protection and climate stability.

Mains Question:

1. Evaluate the impact of mining and urbanization on the Aravalli Range’s ecological balance and discuss the effectiveness of existing legal measures in addressing these challenges. (150 WORDS)