Rajasthan Opens Aravalli Foothills to Development, Sparks Environmental Concerns

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. The Aravallis are indeed one of the oldest fold mountains, primarily composed of ancient metamorphic rocks like schists, gneisses, and quartzites. Statement 2 is correct. The Aravallis form a significant watershed, giving rise to rivers like Banas, Luni, Sabarmati, and Mahi, and are crucial for groundwater recharge in the region. Statement 3 is correct. The Aravalli Range runs roughly parallel to the direction of the southwest monsoon winds. This alignment prevents the range from acting as a barrier to the moisture-laden winds, allowing them to pass over without significant precipitation, thus contributing to the aridity of the Thar Desert. Statement 4 is incorrect. The 'urban hill terrain' classification is specific to the Rajasthan government's decision regarding parts of the Aravalli foothills and is not a general central government designation for all ecologically sensitive zones in India. Such classifications are typically state-specific or project-specific within broader environmental regulations.

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct. The 'Public Trust Doctrine' has been adopted and applied by the Supreme Court of India in several landmark cases (e.g., M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath) to protect natural resources, holding the state accountable as a trustee for the public. Statement 2 is correct. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, is a crucial legislation that requires prior permission from the Central Government for diverting forest land for non-forest purposes, aiming to prevent deforestation. Statement 3 is correct. EIA is a statutory requirement under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and its subsequent notifications (like the EIA Notification, 2006, and its amendments). It is mandatory for various development projects, especially in ecologically sensitive areas, to assess and mitigate potential environmental impacts.

Answer: B

Statement A is correct. 'Low-density development' is indeed intended to reduce the overall impact on the environment by limiting the scale and intensity of human activities and structures. Statement B is NOT correct. While 'low-density' development aims to reduce impact, it does not *inherently guarantee* preservation without strict regulatory oversight. Any development in ecologically sensitive zones carries risks and requires stringent monitoring, enforcement, and adaptive management to ensure biodiversity and ecosystem services like water recharge are protected. The cumulative impact of even 'low-density' projects can be significant. Statement C is correct. 'Carrying capacity' refers to the maximum population size of a species that the environment can sustain indefinitely. In the context of development, it helps determine how much human activity an ecosystem can support without irreversible degradation. Statement D is correct. Given the sensitivity of the areas, even 'low-density' projects often fall under categories requiring EIA, especially when considering their potential cumulative impacts on fragile ecosystems, water resources, and biodiversity.