Aravali Range Under Siege: Illegal Mining and Encroachment Threaten Ancient Ecosystem
Aravali range faces severe degradation from illegal mining and encroachment, threatening its ecological balance.
Photo by Aditi Gupta
The ancient Aravali mountain range, a critical ecological corridor, is increasingly under threat from extensive illegal mining and encroachment by machinery. This degradation is not only altering the physical landscape but also severely impacting the local communities living in the foothills, who bear the brunt of environmental damage. The Aravalis, stretching across several states, are vital for groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and acting as a natural barrier against desertification.
Despite their protected status in many areas, enforcement remains a challenge, leading to continued exploitation. This ongoing environmental assault highlights the urgent need for stricter governance, sustainable development practices, and community involvement to preserve this invaluable natural heritage.
मुख्य तथ्य
Aravali range is an ancient mountain range
Faces degradation from illegal mining and encroachment
Impacts local communities in foothills
Important for groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and preventing desertification
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Physical Geography: Formation, extent, highest peak, geological age of Aravalis.
Environment & Ecology: Biodiversity hotspot, ecological corridor, groundwater recharge, desertification barrier, ecosystem services.
Environmental Governance & Law: Role of NGT, Forest Conservation Act, Environmental Protection Act, mining regulations, challenges in enforcement.
Sustainable Development: Balancing economic development (mining) with environmental conservation, community participation in conservation efforts.
Socio-economic Impact: Livelihood issues for local communities, health impacts of mining, displacement.
दृश्य सामग्री
Aravali Range: A Critical Ecosystem Under Threat
This map illustrates the geographical spread of the Aravali mountain range across four Indian states and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, highlighting the regions most impacted by illegal mining and encroachment. The Aravalis are vital for ecological balance, groundwater recharge, and preventing desertification.
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और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravali Range: 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world. 2. Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of the Aravali Range, is located in Rajasthan. 3. The range acts as a natural barrier against the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. 4. Geologically, it is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks formed during the Mesozoic Era. Which of the statements given above are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. The Aravali Range is indeed one of the oldest fold mountain ranges, and Guru Shikhar in the Abu Hills of Rajasthan is its highest peak. It plays a crucial role in preventing the eastward spread of the Thar Desert. Statement 4 is incorrect; the Aravali Range is primarily composed of ancient metamorphic rocks (like quartzites, gneisses, and schists) and igneous rocks, formed during the Precambrian Era, not the Mesozoic Era.
2. In the context of environmental protection and governance in India, which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the conservation of the Aravali Range? 1. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has often intervened to halt illegal mining activities in the Aravalis. 2. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, is the primary legislation used to regulate mining activities in forest areas of the Aravalis. 3. The Aravali Biodiversity Park in Gurugram is an example of successful ecological restoration efforts in the region. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
All three statements are correct. The NGT has indeed been active in addressing illegal mining and environmental degradation in the Aravalis. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, is a key legislation that requires prior approval from the central government for non-forest activities (like mining) in forest land, which includes many parts of the Aravalis. The Aravali Biodiversity Park is a well-known example of a successful ecological restoration project, transforming a former mining site into a rich biodiversity zone.
3. Which of the following is NOT a direct ecological service provided by the Aravali Range in its current geographical context?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
Statements A, B, and D are direct ecological services provided by the Aravali Range. It is vital for groundwater recharge, supports biodiversity, and acts as a barrier against desertification. Statement C is incorrect. The Aravalis are too low and too far inland to significantly intercept moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and moderate the monsoon climate in the way the Western Ghats do. The monsoon winds generally pass over them, leading to less rainfall on their eastern side.
संबंधित लेख
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