Geospatial Survey to Combat Illegal Mining

• 26 Dec 2024

Why in News? 

• Recently, Haryana has ordered a geospatial survey of the Aravallis near the Rajasthan border. The survey will demarcate banned mining areas in Haryana and identify licensed mines in Rajasthan to curb illegal mining. 

 Key Points 

• About the Survey: 
  • Conducted by Haryana Space Applications Centre (HARSAC), the survey aims to define the jurisdiction of Haryana and Rajasthan over various hills and update revenue records. 
• Addressing Jurisdictional Issues: 
  • Illegal mining mafias exploit the jurisdictional ambiguity over the Aravalli hills. 
  • The Enforcement Bureau registered an First Information Report (FIR) for the illegal mining of 6,000 metric tonnes of hill in Rava village. 
• Illegal Mining: 
  • About: 
    • Illegal mining is the extraction of minerals, ores, or other valuable resources from land or water bodies without the necessary permits, licenses, or regulatory approvals from government authorities. 
    • It can also involve the violation of environmental, labor, and safety standards. 
  • Issues: 
    • Environmental Degradation: 
      • It can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution and can result in the destruction of habitats for wildlife, which can have serious ecological consequences. 
    • Hazards: 
      • Illegal mining often involves the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which can pose serious health risks to miners and nearby communities. 
    • Loss of Revenue: 
      • It can lead to a loss of revenue for governments as miners may not pay appropriate taxes and royalties. 
      • This can have significant economic impacts, particularly in countries where natural resources are a major source of revenue. 
    • Human Rights Violations: 
      • Illegal mining can also result in human rights violations, including forced labor, child labor, and exploitation of vulnerable populations. 

 The Aravallis 

• About:  
  • The Aravalli 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 Aravalli 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 Aravallis: 
  • 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.