Aravalli Definition Debate: Panel Sought More Studies Before SC Intervention
Panel sought more studies to define Aravallis before SC intervened, highlighting ecological protection challenges.
Photo by Rohit yadav
A nine-member committee, formed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), held seven meetings between June and October 2024 to define the Aravalli range, but concluded that more studies were needed. This came before the Supreme Court's recent call for an expert committee to define the Aravallis, highlighting the complexity and urgency of protecting this vital ecological corridor. The committee aimed to establish a 'threshold' based on geological, topographical, and ecological parameters to identify the Aravalli range, which spans Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.
The lack of a clear definition has historically hampered conservation efforts, leading to illegal mining and encroachment. The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the critical need for a scientific and legally robust definition to safeguard the Aravallis, which are crucial for groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and as a natural barrier against desertification.
मुख्य तथ्य
Nine-member committee formed by MoEFCC
Held 7 meetings between June-Oct 2024
Aravalli range spans Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi
Supreme Court called for an expert committee to define Aravallis
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Geography: Geological formation, geographical extent, physiographic features, watershed characteristics.
Environment & Ecology: Biodiversity, ecological services (groundwater recharge, climate regulation, anti-desertification), conservation challenges, environmental impact assessment, protected areas.
Polity & Governance: Role of MoEFCC, Supreme Court's environmental jurisprudence, inter-state coordination for conservation, legal frameworks (Environmental Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act), policy formulation.
Economy: Sustainable development vs. economic activities (mining), livelihood implications.
दृश्य सामग्री
Aravalli Range: Geographical Extent & Key States
This map illustrates the approximate stretch of the Aravalli Range across four Indian states and Delhi, highlighting its critical geographical presence. The lack of a clear definition across these regions has historically complicated conservation efforts, leading to issues like illegal mining and encroachment.
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Aravalli Definition & Conservation: Key Developments (2015-2026)
This timeline outlines the critical events leading up to the current debate on defining the Aravalli Range, highlighting the persistent challenges and the increasing judicial and governmental focus on its protection.
The Aravalli Range has been a subject of conservation debates and judicial interventions for decades due to its ecological significance and persistent threats from human activities. The lack of a clear, legally robust definition has been a major impediment, leading to a cycle of degradation and reactive protection measures. The recent Supreme Court intervention in 2025/2026 reflects the continued urgency of this issue.
- 2015Supreme Court expresses concern over illegal mining in Aravallis, directs states to take action.
- 2018SC bans mining in 11,000 hectares of Aravalli region in Rajasthan, citing ecological damage.
- 2019MoEFCC issues notification to protect certain Aravalli areas under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- 2022Reports highlight continued illegal mining and encroachment despite judicial interventions, emphasizing lack of clear definition.
- June 2024MoEFCC forms a nine-member committee to define the Aravalli range based on geological, topographical, and ecological parameters.
- Oct 2024MoEFCC committee concludes that more studies are needed to establish a robust 'threshold' definition for the Aravallis.
- Late 2025 / Early 2026Supreme Court intervenes, calling for an expert committee to define the Aravallis, underscoring the urgency.
और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range: 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, now largely a residual mountain range. 2. The range primarily spans across the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. 3. It acts as a natural barrier against the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert and is crucial for groundwater recharge in the region. 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 systems, now significantly eroded and thus considered a residual range. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Aravalli range spans Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, not Uttar Pradesh. Statement 3 is correct. The Aravallis play a vital role in preventing the spread of the Thar Desert eastward and are crucial for groundwater recharge in the semi-arid regions they traverse.
2. In the context of the recent debate over defining the Aravalli range, which of the following statements best describes the primary challenge highlighted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) committee's findings?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
The news summary explicitly states that the MoEFCC committee 'concluded that more studies were needed' to define the Aravalli range based on 'geological, topographical, and ecological parameters' to establish a 'threshold'. This directly points to the need for more scientific studies as the primary challenge identified by the committee. While other options might represent related issues, option C directly reflects the committee's conclusion.
3. With reference to the conservation of the Aravalli Range, consider the following statements: 1. The Aravallis are recognized as a vital ecological corridor under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, specifically for migratory bird species. 2. Illegal mining activities in the Aravallis often fall under the purview of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Environmental Protection Act, 1986. 3. The absence of a clear legal definition of the Aravalli range has historically complicated the enforcement of environmental regulations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Aravallis are an ecological corridor and important for biodiversity, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, primarily focuses on protecting specific species and designated protected areas (like national parks, sanctuaries). It does not broadly recognize an entire mountain range as a 'vital ecological corridor specifically for migratory bird species' in a blanket manner across its entire extent. Statement 2 is correct. Illegal mining activities are indeed governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and their environmental impacts are addressed under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986. Statement 3 is correct. The news article explicitly states that 'The lack of a clear definition has historically hampered conservation efforts, leading to illegal mining and encroachment' and 'underscores the critical need for a scientific and legally robust definition to safeguard the Aravallis'.
संबंधित लेख
नौ बोत्सवाना चीते कुनो पार्क में छोड़े गए
मच्छरों ने 1.8 मिलियन वर्ष पहले होमिनिन को काटना शुरू किया: अध्ययन
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