Critical Threats Facing the Aravallis | 21 Aug 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

A recent scientific study on land use dynamics in the Aravallis has highlighted that the ongoing destruction of the hills has resulted in significant biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and reduced vegetation cover.

What are the Key Challenges Highlighted in the Study Regarding the Aravallis?

• Loss of Hills: Between 1975 and 2019, nearly 8% (5,772.7 sq km) of the Aravali hills have disappeared, with 5% (3,676 sq km) converted into barren land and 1% (776.8 sq km) into settlements.
  • The destruction of the hills has enabled the Thar desert's expansion toward the National Capital Region, causing increased desertification, higher pollution, and erratic weather.
• Increase in Mining Area: From 1.8% in 1975 to 2.2% in 2019.
  • "Explosive" urbanization and unchecked mining are key contributors to the ongoing deterioration of the Aravali hills.
  • Over 25% of the Aravallis and 31 hill ranges in Rajasthan have vanished due to illegal quarrying.
  • Mining contributes to the major air pollution in the NCR region, especially through Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM).
• Increase in Human Settlements: From 4.5% in 1975 to 13.3% in 2019.
• Forest Cover: In the central range dropped by 32% between 1975-2019, with a significant rise in cultivated land. 
  • During 1999 to 2019, the forest area decreased up to 0.9% of total area. 
  • The average annual deforestation rate was 0.57% during the study period.
• Impact on Water Bodies: Water bodies expanded from 1.7% in 1975 to 1.9% in 1989, but have since steadily declined.
  • Mining to great depths has punctured aquifers, disturbing water flow, drying lakes, and creating new water bodies due to depressions left by illegal miners.
• Impact of Protected Areas in Aravalis: Todgarh-Raoli and Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuaries in the central Aravali Range positively impacted the eco-sensitive zone, leading to minimal forest depletion.
• Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI): EVI least value of 0 to -0.2 in upper central Aravali region (Nagaur district) - indicating unhealthy vegetation.
• Future Projections: By 2059, the total loss of Aravali area is projected to reach 22% (16,360 sq km), with 3.5% (2,628.6 sq km) of the total area likely to be used for mining.
• Other Major Challenges faced by Aravalis: 
  • Significant decline in flora and fauna, including leopards, striped hyenas, golden jackals, and other species.
  • Many rivers originating in the Aravallis, like Banas, Luni, Sahibi, and Sakhi, are now dead.
  • Loss of natural forests along the Aravallis has escalated human-wildlife conflicts.

What are the Key Facts About Aravalis?

• About: 
  • The Aravali Range extends from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan, 692 km in length and varies between 10 to 120 km in width.
    • The range acts as a natural green wall, with 80% located in Rajasthan and 20% in Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
  • The aravali mountains are divided into two, main ranges – the Sambhar Sirohi Range and the Sambhar Khetri Range in Rajasthan, where their extension is about 560 km.
  • It serves as an ecotone between the Thar Desert and the Gangetic Plain.
    • Ecotones are areas where two or more ecosystems, biological communities, or biotic regions meet.
  • Gurusikhar (Rajasthan), the highest peak in the range, reaches an elevation of 1,722 meters.
• Significance of Aravalis:
  • The Aravallis prevent the Thar Desert from encroaching on the Indo-Gangetic plains, historically serving as a catchment for rivers and plains.
  • The range supports 300 native plant species, 120 bird species, and exclusive animals like jackals and mongooses.
  • During monsoons, the Aravallis direct monsoon clouds eastward, benefiting sub-Himalayan rivers and North Indian plains. In winter, they shield fertile valleys from cold westerly winds.
  • The range aids in groundwater replenishment by absorbing rainwater, thus reviving groundwater levels.
  • The Aravallis act as the “lungs” for Delhi-NCR, mitigating some effects of the region's severe air pollution.

What are the Supreme Court’s Rulings and Legal Notifications on the Aravallis?

• 2018 Ruling: Banned illegal construction activities in the Aravalli range in Haryana, directing the demolition of the Kant Enclave and reimbursement to investors.
• 2009 Order: Imposed a ban on mining throughout the Aravallis.
• 2002 Order: Prohibited mining activities in Haryana due to large-scale degradation.
• 1996 Ruling: Mandated that mining leases could not be renewed within 2-5 km radius of Badkhal Lake without permission from pollution control boards.
• Precautionary Principle (1996): Supreme Court established the principle that governments must foresee and prevent environmental degradation without waiting for scientific evidence (Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v Union of India).
• National Green Tribunal (2010): Adopted the precautionary principle for environmental decisions under Section 20 of the NGT Act.
• MoEFCC Notification (1992): Prohibited new industries, mining, deforestation, and construction in the Aravalli range without prior permission from the MoEFC
• Other Measures taken by Government: Creation of Commission for Air Quality Management in the NCR to deal with the Air Pollution menace in the region. 
  • To prevent illegal mining in the Aravalis, a seven-member "Aravalli Rejuvenation Board" has been established in Gurugram.

Way Forward

• Implement the Aravali Green Wall Project: Develop a 1,400 km long and 5 km wide green belt around the Aravalli range.
  • Rejuvenate 75 water bodies and cover degraded lands in Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi. 
  • This project, inspired by Africa's 'Great Green Wall,' aims to restore ecological balance and combat desertification.
• Adopt Successful Restoration Models: Follow the successful example of the biodiversity park in Gurgaon by partnering with civil society, corporates, and residents for tree planting and habitat restoration. 
  • Engage ecologists and local volunteers to create self-sustaining ecosystems within the Aravalli region.
• Strengthen Legal and Regulatory Measures: Enforce existing Supreme Court rulings and legal notifications to prevent illegal mining and construction. 
  • Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and integrate precautionary principles to safeguard the Aravalli range from further degradation.
  • Implement strict zoning laws to prevent further encroachment and illegal settlements in the Aravalis.
• Empower bodies like Aravali Rejuvenation Board to deal with the menace of illegal mining. 

Conclusion

The future of the Aravali Range hinges on immediate and effective action to curb ongoing environmental degradation. With projections indicating a 22% loss by 2059 and the expansion of mining and urbanization, it is crucial to enforce legal measures strictly and invest in large-scale restoration projects like the Aravali Green Wall. By implementing innovative conservation models and adhering to judicial rulings, we can safeguard this vital ecological barrier, protect biodiversity, and mitigate adverse climate impacts for future generations.