Demarcation of Mining Zones Underway in Ecologically Sensitive Aravalis
Plan to demarcate mining areas in Aravalis initiated, balancing development with environmental protection.
Photo by Aditi Gupta
त्वरित संशोधन
Plan to demarcate mining areas in Aravali range underway
Led by Union MoEFCC
Focus on Gurugram and Faridabad districts
Follows Supreme Court ban on mining
Aims to identify zones outside forest land and within 'natural conservation zone'
महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां
महत्वपूर्ण संख्याएं
दृश्य सामग्री
Aravali Range: Ecologically Sensitive Zone & Mining Demarcation
This map illustrates the location of the Aravali range, particularly highlighting the Gurugram and Faridabad districts in Haryana, where the demarcation of mining zones is currently underway. It underscores the ecological sensitivity of the region and the ongoing efforts by MoEFCC to balance conservation with regulated economic activity.
Loading interactive map...
परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Geographical significance and characteristics of the Aravali Range.
Environmental governance and the role of MoEFCC, Supreme Court, and NGT in environmental protection.
Concept of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and Natural Conservation Zones (NCZs).
Legal and policy framework for mining in India (Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, Forest Conservation Act, Environment Protection Act).
Challenges and strategies for sustainable development, balancing economic activity with environmental conservation.
Impact of mining on biodiversity, water resources, and local communities.
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
A plan is currently underway to demarcate mining areas within the ecologically sensitive Aravali range, particularly in Gurugram and Faridabad districts. This initiative, led by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), aims to identify specific zones where mining can be permitted while ensuring the protection of the fragile ecosystem.
The move follows a Supreme Court ban on mining in the Aravalis and seeks to balance economic activity with environmental conservation. The demarcation process involves satellite imagery and ground surveys, with a focus on areas outside forest land and within the "natural conservation zone." This is a critical step towards regulated mining and sustainable development in the region.
पृष्ठभूमि
The Aravali range, one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, spans across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. It plays a crucial ecological role, acting as a green lung and water recharge zone for the semi-arid regions it traverses, particularly for the National Capital Region (NCR).
Historically, the region has faced extensive illegal and unregulated mining, leading to severe environmental degradation, depletion of groundwater, and loss of biodiversity. The Supreme Court has previously intervened, imposing bans on mining to protect this fragile ecosystem.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is now undertaking a significant initiative to demarcate specific mining zones within the ecologically sensitive Aravali range, particularly in Gurugram and Faridabad districts. This move aims to identify areas where regulated mining can be permitted, balancing economic needs with environmental protection.
The process involves advanced techniques like satellite imagery and ground surveys, with a specific focus on areas outside designated forest land and within the 'Natural Conservation Zone' as defined in the NCR Regional Plan. This is a step towards establishing a framework for sustainable mining and development.
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravali Range and its ecological significance: 1. The Aravali Range is an example of relict mountains, formed during the Precambrian era. 2. It acts as a natural barrier to the spread of the Thar Desert towards the east. 3. The 'Natural Conservation Zone' (NCZ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Plan specifically includes the Aravalis, forests, and river flood plains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement 1 is correct: The Aravalis are indeed one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, now appearing as relict mountains due to extensive erosion over geological time, formed during the Precambrian era. Statement 2 is correct: The Aravali Range plays a crucial role in checking the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert by intercepting sand-laden winds. Statement 3 is correct: The NCR Regional Plan identifies the 'Natural Conservation Zone' (NCZ) which includes ecologically sensitive areas like the Aravali range, forests, wetlands, and river flood plains, where development is highly restricted to preserve ecological balance. This is directly relevant to the news about demarcating mining zones within the NCZ.
2. In the context of mining regulation and environmental protection in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, primarily governs the grant of mining leases for both major and minor minerals. 2. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, mandates prior approval from the Central Government for any non-forest use of forest land, including mining. 3. The Supreme Court of India has invoked the 'public trust doctrine' in several environmental cases to protect natural resources for the benefit of the general public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect: While the MMDR Act, 1957, governs major minerals, the regulation of minor minerals falls under the purview of state governments, though the central government can issue guidelines. The news specifically mentions the MoEFCC, which is a central body, but the overall regulatory framework involves both central and state governments. Statement 2 is correct: The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, is a crucial legislation that requires Central Government approval for diverting forest land for non-forest purposes, including mining, ensuring environmental safeguards. Statement 3 is correct: The Supreme Court has indeed used the 'public trust doctrine' in landmark environmental judgments (e.g., M.C. Mehta cases) to hold that the state is the trustee of natural resources and must protect them for the public good. This is relevant to the SC ban on mining in Aravalis mentioned in the news.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in India?
- A.ESAs are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- B.The primary objective of declaring an ESA is to regulate activities that could harm the fragile ecosystem.
- C.The Kasturirangan Committee report recommended a complete ban on all developmental activities in the identified ESAs of the Western Ghats.
- D.The demarcation of 'Natural Conservation Zones' in the NCR Regional Plan serves a similar purpose to ESAs in protecting critical ecological corridors.
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
Statement A is correct: ESAs (or Eco-Sensitive Zones - ESZs) are indeed notified by the MoEFCC under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Statement B is correct: The core objective is to create a 'buffer zone' around Protected Areas and regulate certain activities (like mining, polluting industries, large construction) to minimize their negative impact on the sensitive ecosystem. Statement C is incorrect: The Kasturirangan Committee report, while recommending protection for a significant portion of the Western Ghats as ESA, did NOT recommend a complete ban on *all* developmental activities. It proposed a graded approach, allowing certain 'red category' industries to be banned and regulating others, while promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities. This is a common misconception. Statement D is correct: The 'Natural Conservation Zones' (NCZ) in the NCR Regional Plan, which includes the Aravalis, serve a similar function to ESAs by identifying and protecting critical ecological areas from unregulated development, as highlighted by the news.