From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About the Aravalli Range;
Mains level: Changes in Aravali range due to mining;
Why in the News?
The Aravalli range is facing severe threats from illegal mining, deforestation, and encroachments which causing environmental degradation.
About the Aravalli Range:
- The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, stretching from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan.
- It acts as a natural green wall in the northwestern part of India, forming an ecotone zone between the Thar Desert and the Gangetic Plain in a semi-arid environment.
- The range spans 692 km in length and varies in width from 10 km to 120 km, with over 500 hillocks. The highest peak is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, which is 1,722 meters above sea level.
- Rajasthan contains 80% of the range, while the remaining 20% is shared by Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
Change in Forest Area and High Rates of Carbon Influx:
- Reduction of forest cover: The Aravalli range has experienced a significant reduction in forest cover, with a 0.9% decrease from 1999 to 2019. The forest area decreased from 29,915 sq. km in 1999 to 29,210 sq. km in 2019.
- Increased Human settlement and reduced water bodies: Human settlements in the region increased from 4.5% in 1975 to 13.3% in 2019, while waterbodies initially increased and then began to reduce over time.
- Expansion of mining activities: Mining activities have expanded, particularly in districts like Jaipur, Sikar, Alwar, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, and Rajsamand.
- High rate of carbon influx: The study identified regions in the upper and lower Aravalli range with high positive rates of carbon flux due to high rainfall and protected areas. In contrast, areas near the Thar Desert in the main middle range showed negative rates of carbon flux, indicating a decline in carbon sequestration.
How Drone Survey Can Help:
- Use of LiDAR technology: A comprehensive drone survey using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is recommended to assess the Aravalli region’s surface and objects in 3D dimensions.
- The LiDAR survey can help identify and mitigate illegal mining activities by providing detailed information on the surface structure which will allow authorities to take prompt enforcement actions.
- Establishment of Independent Body: The establishment of an independent Aravali Development Authority, including experts from various fields, is suggested to devise and implement strategies for the sustainable preservation of the hill ecosystem.
Steps taken:
- The Indian government has enacted various legal measures to protect the Aravalli Range.
- In 1992, parts of the hills were designated as Ecologically Sensitive Areas, and in 2003, the central government prohibited mining operations in these regions.
- The Supreme Court of India further reinforced these protections by banning mining in notified areas of the Aravalli Range in 2004 and extending this ban in 2009 to cover 448 km² across Haryana’s Faridabad, Gurgaon, and Mewat districts.
Conclusion: Need to engage local communities in conservation efforts and promote sustainable land-use practices. Establish the proposed Aravali Development Authority to coordinate and implement long-term strategies for ecological restoration and biodiversity preservation.
Mains PYQ:
Q Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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