Rajasthan Protests Demand Halt to Illegal Mining in Aravalli Hills
Protests erupt in Rajasthan, demanding an end to illegal mining threatening the Aravalli Hills.
Photo by Prince Lewis
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Protests in Udaipur, Rajasthan against illegal mining in Aravalli Hills
Supreme Court monitoring committee on illegal mining involved
Aravalli hills are crucial for ecology and water security
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Visual Insights
Aravalli Range: Illegal Mining Hotspots & Protest Locations
This map illustrates the geographical spread of the ancient Aravalli Range across four Indian states and highlights Udaipur, the focal point of recent protests against illegal mining. It underscores the vulnerability of this critical ecological corridor.
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Exam Angles
Geographical features and ecological significance of the Aravalli Range.
Impact of illegal mining on environment, biodiversity, and water resources.
Legal and institutional framework for mining regulation and environmental protection in India (MMDR Act, EPA, NGT, Supreme Court).
Governance challenges in enforcing environmental laws and tackling illegal resource extraction.
Socio-economic dimensions of mining, including livelihood issues and community participation in conservation.
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Summary
Protests have erupted across Rajasthan, particularly in Udaipur, demanding an immediate halt to illegal mining activities in the Aravalli Hills. Demonstrators, including environmental activists and local communities, are calling for the protection of the ancient mountain range, which is crucial for the region's ecology and water security.
The Supreme Court's monitoring committee on illegal mining has also highlighted the issue, noting that a significant portion of the Aravallis in Rajasthan is under threat from unauthorized quarrying. This ongoing environmental degradation, despite judicial intervention, underscores a critical governance challenge in enforcing conservation laws and protecting vital natural resources.
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Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range: 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, extending from Gujarat to Delhi. 2. Guru Shikhar, its highest peak, is located in the state of Rajasthan. 3. The range plays a crucial role in checking the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. 4. It is primarily composed of young sedimentary rocks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct: The Aravalli Range is indeed one of the oldest fold mountain ranges, extending from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi. Statement 2 is correct: Guru Shikhar, located in the Mount Abu region of Rajasthan, is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range. Statement 3 is correct: The Aravallis act as a natural barrier, preventing the spread of the Thar Desert into the eastern parts of Rajasthan and beyond. Statement 4 is incorrect: The Aravallis are primarily composed of ancient metamorphic rocks (like gneisses, schists, quartzites) and igneous rocks, not young sedimentary rocks. They are a relict of a much larger ancient mountain system.
2. In the context of regulating mining activities in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) is the primary central legislation governing the mining sector. 2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is mandatory for all mining projects, irrespective of their size or type, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. 3. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has the power to hear appeals against orders passed by state authorities regarding environmental clearances for mining projects. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct: The MMDR Act, 1957, is indeed the principal central legislation that regulates the mining sector in India, including the grant of prospecting licenses and mining leases. Statement 2 is incorrect: While EIA is crucial for mining projects, it is not mandatory for *all* projects irrespective of size or type. Minor minerals, for instance, have different regulatory requirements, and there have been debates and changes regarding the threshold for EIA. The EIA Notification, 2006, and subsequent amendments specify the categories of projects requiring EIA. Statement 3 is correct: The NGT was established to provide effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. It has appellate jurisdiction over decisions made under various environmental laws, including those related to environmental clearances for mining projects.
3. Assertion (A): Illegal mining in the Aravalli Hills poses a significant threat to the region's water security. Reason (R): Mining activities often lead to the destruction of natural aquifers, disruption of water flow patterns, and contamination of groundwater sources. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true but R is false.
- D.A is false but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Assertion (A) is true: The news summary explicitly states that the Aravalli Hills are 'crucial for the region's ecology and water security' and that illegal mining threatens this. Reason (R) is true: Mining activities, especially open-cast mining, can indeed destroy natural aquifers, alter surface and subsurface water flow, and introduce pollutants into groundwater, thereby directly impacting water security. Therefore, R is the correct explanation for A.