Union Minister Reaffirms Centre's Commitment to Protect Aravalli Hills
Union Environment Minister reiterates government's resolve to protect the ecologically vital Aravalli hills.
Photo by Prince Lewis
The Union Environment Minister has reaffirmed the Centre's unwavering commitment to protect the Aravalli hills, emphasizing their critical role in the region's ecology. This statement comes amidst ongoing concerns about illegal mining and encroachment in the ancient mountain range.
The Minister highlighted various government initiatives and policies aimed at conserving the Aravallis, including efforts to prevent illegal construction and promote afforestation. This reiteration of commitment aligns with the Supreme Court's recent directives, signaling a concerted effort from both the judiciary and the executive to safeguard this vital natural heritage, which acts as a green lung for the Delhi-NCR region and a crucial groundwater recharge zone.
मुख्य तथ्य
Union Environment Minister reaffirms commitment to Aravalli protection
Government initiatives for conservation and afforestation
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Geographical and geological significance of the Aravalli Range.
Ecological services provided by mountain ecosystems (biodiversity, water, climate regulation).
Anthropogenic threats to natural heritage (illegal mining, encroachment, deforestation).
Government policies, legal frameworks, and judicial interventions for environmental protection.
Challenges in balancing economic development with environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
दृश्य सामग्री
Aravalli Range: Extent, Ecological Importance & Threats
This map illustrates the geographical spread of the ancient Aravalli Range across four Indian states and highlights its critical ecological role, particularly for the Delhi-NCR region. It also points to the areas facing significant environmental threats.
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Key Developments in Aravalli Protection (2015-2025)
This timeline outlines significant events, judicial interventions, and government initiatives concerning the protection of the Aravalli Hills, leading up to the Union Minister's recent reaffirmation.
The Aravalli Range has faced environmental degradation for decades. The judiciary's proactive role, especially since the late 2010s, coupled with increasing government focus, has brought its conservation to the forefront of environmental policy and public discourse.
- 2015Increased public and media attention on illegal mining and deforestation in Aravallis.
- 2018Supreme Court issues strict directives to state governments (Rajasthan, Haryana) to curb illegal mining and protect the Aravalli forests.
- 2020Haryana Government initiates 'Aravalli Green Wall' project, focusing on large-scale afforestation and eco-restoration.
- 2022National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposes significant penalties on violators for environmental damage and non-compliance with Aravalli protection norms.
- 2024Supreme Court reiterates its stance, ordering comprehensive surveys to identify and remove all encroachments in the Aravalli region.
- 2025Union Environment Minister reaffirms Centre's unwavering commitment to Aravalli protection, emphasizing ongoing initiatives and judicial alignment.
और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, dating back to the Precambrian era (over 2.5 billion years old). It stretches for about 692 km across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
Geologically, it is a remnant of a much larger ancient range that has undergone significant erosion. Historically, the Aravallis have played a crucial role in influencing the climate, biodiversity, and human settlements in the semi-arid and arid regions of Western India, acting as a natural barrier against the eastward spread of the Thar Desert.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range: 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world. 2. It acts as a natural barrier preventing the eastward spread of the Thar Desert. 3. The range is a significant source of perennial rivers for the Delhi-NCR region. 4. Its highest peak, Guru Shikhar, is located in Rajasthan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct. The Aravallis are indeed one of the oldest fold mountain ranges, dating back to the Precambrian era. Statement 2 is correct. The Aravalli Range plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of desertification from the Thar Desert into the fertile plains of eastern Rajasthan and beyond. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Aravallis are not a significant source of perennial rivers for the Delhi-NCR region. While some seasonal rivers originate here, major perennial rivers like Yamuna originate from the Himalayas. The Aravallis are more crucial for groundwater recharge. Statement 4 is correct. Guru Shikhar, located in the Mount Abu region of Rajasthan, is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
2. In the context of environmental protection and conservation in India, which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the legal framework and judicial interventions concerning mountain ranges like the Aravallis? 1. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, primarily aims to regulate the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. 2. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has the power to hear all civil cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. 3. Mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas are entirely prohibited under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, was enacted to check deforestation and regulate the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, requiring prior approval from the central government. Statement 2 is correct. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources, including enforcement of any legal right relating to the environment. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, regulates mining activities but does not entirely prohibit them in ecologically sensitive areas. Instead, it provides for a regulatory framework, including environmental clearances and impact assessments, which can be stringent for sensitive zones. However, complete prohibition is not a blanket provision under this act; it depends on specific notifications, court orders, or other environmental laws (like the Environment Protection Act, 1986) for specific areas.
3. Which of the following is NOT an ecological service provided by mountain ranges like the Aravallis?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement A is correct. Mountain ranges often harbor unique ecosystems and act as biodiversity hotspots, supporting endemic species due to varied altitudes and microclimates. The Aravallis, despite degradation, still support significant biodiversity. Statement B is correct. Mountain ranges are crucial for hydrological cycles, acting as watersheds, facilitating groundwater recharge, and regulating the flow of rivers and streams, which is explicitly mentioned for Aravallis in the news. Statement C is correct. Mountains influence regional climate by affecting wind patterns, cloud formation, and precipitation, leading to distinct climatic zones. The Aravallis, for instance, influence the monsoon winds. Statement D is incorrect. While foothills or valleys near mountain ranges might have fertile soils, the primary ecological service of mountain ranges themselves is not to provide extensive fertile plains for large-scale agriculture. Their rugged terrain is generally not conducive to large-scale agriculture, which is typically found in river basins and plains.
संबंधित लेख
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