How is the Aravalli range to be protected?, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court (SC) has mandated a uniform definition for the Aravalli hills across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, halting new mining leases in the area.
• The Aravalli range, approximately two billion years old, acts as a crucial ecological barrier against the desertification of the Indo-Gangetic plains.
• In May 2024, the SC had already prohibited new mining leases and renewals in the range, directing the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a detailed examination.
• In June 2025, the Centre initiated the Aravalli ‘Green Wall’ project to expand green cover in a five-km buffer zone across 29 districts.

Detailed Insights:

• The Aravalli range is vital for climate stabilization, biodiversity support, and groundwater recharge, serving as the source of rivers like the Chambal, Sabarmati, and Luni.
• Excessive quarrying in the past four decades has led to deteriorating air quality and reduced groundwater recharge, with a proportion of mining being illegal.
• The CEC proposed a comprehensive approach, including scientific mapping, environmental impact assessments, and strict prohibition of mining in sensitive zones.
• The SC has directed the creation of a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) to demarcate prohibited areas, regulated mining zones, and sensitive habitats.
• The court avoided a complete mining ban to prevent the rise of illegal mining, opting for regulated existing mining and a pause on new mining until a scientific plan is in place.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Desertification: The process by which fertile land transforms into desert, typically due to deforestation, drought, or improper agriculture.
• Ecological Barrier: A natural feature that prevents the spread of something, such as a desert, by influencing environmental factors.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluation of the potential environmental consequences of a proposed project or policy.