Illegal Mining in the Aravalli Range

Context

The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India, stretching across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. However, the range is facing a severe threat due to illegal mining activities.The Supreme Court has recently directed the Rajasthan government to stop illegal mining in the Aravalli range, citing the need to protect the environment and human life. 

Key Points

• The Supreme Court in its discourse has demanded the declination of unauthorised mining from the Aravalli Range, mostly in Rajasthan, to preserve the environment and legacy.
• Hence, a Forest Survey of India report getting released only apparently showed that scouring mining forcing the 31 hillocks to disappear.
• The Supreme Court (SC) has cast doubts on the Government of Rajasthan concerning the measures taken to bring under the book the officials responsible for illegal mining and has also ordered the government to stop the said practice.
• According to the Raje state government, the length of the straight line from one point to another on a hill of 100 metres above sea level marks the boundaries of the disputed mining areas. None of the mining activity has been allowed in these zones after the Supreme Court order of 2002.
• Aravalli range is a sort of natural boundary that prohibits from the other direction the east wind of the Thar Desert so as to keep places like Delhi arid condition free.
• The active involvement of the Supreme Court in the matter seems to demonstrate that the balance between sustainable development and environmental protection is an irreplaceable value, and the mining should be banned in order not to destroy the ecological balance of the Aravalli hills. It has been scheduled for another hearing and the court just wants the state to take the appropriate steps to control the illegal mining activities.

Impact on the Environment

• The illegal mining in the Aravalli range is one of the devastating environmental impacts which is irreversible. The range is the habitat for several endangered species of plants and animals and the mining has resulted in environmental degradation.
• The destruction of the habitat followed the disruption of the relationship between various species due to these changes which is risky for biodiversity in this area. And this will result in soil erosion and water pollution.
• The desertification of this region can be prevented with the Aravalli range acting as a natural barrier. Yet, mining activities have been degrading this barrier, so consequently, the region is losing its natural defence mechanism and increasing its vulnerability to further desertification.

Impact on Human Life

• Aravalli Range is not immune to illegally operated mines. The extent of damage it includes life is also significant.
• Despite the fact that the mining operations have led to the closure of several villages and affected the livelihoods of many people, some positive social developments occurred thanks to the investments of mines in the communities.
• The mining hence has led to the loss of farming lands and the situation became even worse as hunger and unemployment were among other factors that occurred as a consequence.
• The air and water pollution generated as a result of mine activities have also been responsible for the increased prevalence of health disorders among the inhabitants of the area.

Measures to Address the Issue

• The State of Rajasthan Supreme Court has instructed the government to cease illegal mining in the Aravalli range and to administer the environment and people safety.
• The country has been given a week period to report on the steps taken towards resolving this problem.
• In addition, the court has now ordered the government to only allow mining activities that must be carried out responsibly and while protecting the environment.

Conclusion

Illegal mining in the Aravalli range is a serious issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The mining activities have had a devastating impact on the environment and human life, and it is essential that measures are taken to protect the range and its inhabitants. The Supreme Court’s direction to the Rajasthan government is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that the government will take the necessary steps to address the issue and protect the Aravalli range.

Source: HT

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the socio-economic and environmental implications of illegal mining in the Aravalli Range, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulatory measures in addressing this issue.

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