What is Aravalli Range (Ecological Significance and Protection)?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
Geographical Extent: Runs from Palanpur (Gujarat) through Rajasthan and Haryana, ending near Delhi (Raisina Hill).
- 2.
Ecological Role: Acts as a natural barrier against the spread of the Thar Desert towards the east.
- 3.
Biodiversity: Home to diverse flora and fauna, including several endemic and endangered species. Contains important wildlife sanctuaries like Sariska Tiger Reserve and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary.
- 4.
Hydrological Significance: Crucial for groundwater recharge and the origin of several rivers like Banas, Luni, Sabarmati. Its forests help in soil conservation and regulating water flow.
- 5.
Mineral Resources: Rich in minerals like copper, lead, zinc, and marble, leading to extensive mining activities.
- 6.
Threats: Faces severe threats from illegal mining, uncontrolled urbanization, deforestation, and encroachment, leading to habitat loss, soil erosion, and water scarcity.
- 7.
Protection Efforts: Various state and central laws like the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and state-specific regulations are in place. Judicial interventions, particularly by the Supreme Court, have been critical in its protection.
- 8.
Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ): Parts of the Aravallis, especially around Protected Areas, are designated as ESZs to regulate developmental activities.
- 9.
Green Wall of Aravalli: A proposed initiative to create a 1,600 km long and 5 km wide green belt along the Aravalli range to combat desertification and enhance ecological services.
Visual Insights
Aravalli Range: Geographical Extent & Ecological Hotspots
This map details the geographical spread of the Aravalli Range across four states/UTs, highlighting its critical ecological significance, key protected areas, and the proposed 'Green Wall of Aravalli' initiative.
- ๐Delhi (Raisina Hill) โ Northernmost Extent
- ๐Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan โ Major Wildlife Sanctuary
- ๐Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan โ Biodiversity Hotspot
- ๐Palanpur, Gujarat โ Southernmost Extent
- ๐Gurugram, Haryana โ Area of SC Ruling Impact
Aravalli Range: Ecological Significance, Threats & Protection
This mind map provides a comprehensive overview of the Aravalli Range's ecological importance, the threats it faces, and the multi-pronged protection efforts, including recent judicial interventions.
Aravalli Range
- โGeographical Extent
- โEcological Significance
- โHydrological Role
- โThreats
- โProtection Efforts
Recent Developments
5 developmentsThe recent Supreme Court ruling on 'gair mumkin pahar' land in Haryana is a significant step towards protecting the Aravallis from illegal construction and mining.
Ongoing efforts by state governments and the MoEFCC to delineate and protect the Aravalli forest areas and ESZs.
Increased public awareness and activism for the conservation of the Aravallis.
Challenges persist due to continued pressure from real estate development and illegal resource extraction.
Discussion on implementing the Green Wall of Aravalli project to restore its ecological health.