Critical Threats Facing the Aravallis (GS Paper 3, Environment)
Introduction
- The Aravalli Range, an ancient mountain range stretching from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan, is facing severe environmental threats that jeopardize its ecological integrity.
- Recent scientific studies have highlighted the magnitude of these threats, including significant biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and the disruption of critical water systems.
- The Aravallis, which have historically acted as a natural barrier between the Thar Desert and the Indo-Gangetic plains, are now under immense pressure from human activities.
Key Challenges Facing the Aravallis
Loss of Hills and Expansion of Desertification:
- Extent of Loss: Between 1975 and 2019, nearly 8% of the Aravali hills have been lost, translating to 5,772.7 sq km. This includes 5% (3,676 sq km) that has turned into barren land and 1% (776.8 sq km) that has been developed into settlements.
- Desertification: The loss of hills has facilitated the expansion of the Thar Desert towards the National Capital Region (NCR). This encroachment has exacerbated desertification, contributing to increased pollution levels, erratic weather patterns, and a significant shift in regional climate.
Increase in Mining Activities:
- Expansion of Mining: Mining areas have increased from 1.8% in 1975 to 2.2% in 2019. This growth has been driven by both legal and illegal mining operations, which have significantly impacted the environment.
- Air Pollution: Mining activities contribute to severe air pollution, particularly through the release of Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM). This pollution affects not only the immediate environment but also the broader NCR region.
- Illegal Quarrying: Over 25% of the Aravallis and 31 hill ranges in Rajasthan have been lost due to illegal quarrying. These activities have led to the degradation of landscapes, destruction of habitats, and adverse effects on local communities.
Urbanization and Human Settlements:
- Growth of Settlements: The proportion of land covered by human settlements has increased from 4.5% in 1975 to 13.3% in 2019. This rapid urbanization has led to the encroachment of forested areas and further loss of biodiversity.
- Impact on Ecosystems: Urban expansion disrupts natural habitats, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts and further strain on the region’s ecological systems.
Decline in Forest Cover:
- Forest Loss: Forest cover in the central range of the Aravallis dropped by 32% between 1975 and 2019. This loss has been accompanied by a significant rise in cultivated land, further impacting the region’s ecological balance.
- Deforestation Rate: From 1999 to 2019, the forest area decreased by up to 0.9% of the total area, with an average annual deforestation rate of 0.57%. This ongoing deforestation threatens various plant and animal species that depend on the forest ecosystem.
Impact on Water Bodies:
- Diminishing Water Bodies: Water bodies in the Aravalli region have decreased over time. Mining activities have disrupted aquifers, leading to the drying up of lakes and changes in water flow patterns.
- Water Management Issues: The destruction of natural water bodies and the creation of new depressions due to mining have altered local hydrology, impacting water availability and quality.
Effectiveness of Protected Areas:
- Protected Areas: While protected areas like Todgarh-Raoli and Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuaries have had some positive effects, they are not sufficient to counteract the widespread damage caused by external threats.
- Limited Impact: The benefits of these protected areas are limited by ongoing illegal activities and external pressures that continue to affect the broader region.
Decline in Flora and Fauna:
- Loss of Species: The Aravallis have seen a significant decline in various species, including leopards, striped hyenas, and golden jackals. The disappearance of these species disrupts the ecological balance and reduces biodiversity.
- River Depletion: Many rivers originating in the Aravallis, such as the Banas, Luni, Sahibi, and Sakhi, are now dry, further affecting the region’s water resources and ecosystems.
Invasion by Invasive Species:
- Lantana Camara: The spread of Lantana camara, an invasive shrub, has exacerbated habitat degradation. This species competes with native plants and disrupts local ecosystems, further compromising biodiversity.
Understanding Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI):
- The Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) is a critical tool for assessing vegetation health and monitoring changes in vegetation cover.
- It ranges from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating healthier vegetation.
- In the Aravalli region, low EVI values, particularly in areas like Nagaur district, reflect widespread vegetation degradation and poor ecological health.
Key Facts About the Aravallis:
- Geographic Extent: The Aravalli Range extends 692 km from Gujarat to Delhi, with a width varying between 10 to 120 km. It serves as an ecotone between the Thar Desert and the Gangetic Plain.
- Ecological Role: The range supports a diverse array of plant and animal species, aids in groundwater replenishment, and influences regional weather patterns by directing monsoon clouds and shielding fertile valleys from cold winds.
- Biodiversity: The Aravallis are home to 300 native plant species and 120 bird species. They play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting local wildlife.
Supreme Court Rulings and Legal Measures:
- 2018 Ruling: Banned illegal construction activities in the Aravalli range in Haryana, ordering the demolition of the Kant Enclave and reimbursement to investors.
- 2009 Order: Imposed a blanket ban on mining activities throughout the Aravallis to prevent further environmental degradation.
- 2002 Order: Prohibited mining activities in Haryana due to extensive damage caused by previous mining operations.
- 1996 Ruling: Restricted the renewal of mining leases within a 2-5 km radius of Badkhal Lake without permission from pollution control boards.
- Precautionary Principle (1996): Established the need for proactive measures to prevent environmental harm, even in the absence of concrete scientific evidence.
- National Green Tribunal (2010): Adopted the precautionary principle for environmental decision-making, emphasizing the need for proactive protection of natural resources.
- MoEFCC Notification (1992): Banned new industries, mining, and deforestation in the Aravalli range without prior permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Government Initiatives:
- Aravali Rejuvenation Board: A seven-member board established in Gurugram to address illegal mining and oversee the restoration of the Aravalli range.
- Commission for Air Quality Management: Created to address air pollution issues in the NCR region, focusing on mitigating the impacts of mining and other pollution sources.
Way Forward
To address the challenges facing the Aravallis and ensure their preservation, the following actions are crucial:
Implement the Aravali Green Wall Project:
- Scope: Develop a 1,400 km long and 5 km wide green belt around the Aravalli range. This project aims to restore ecological balance and combat desertification.
- Rejuvenation Efforts: Revitalize 75 water bodies and rehabilitate degraded lands across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.
Adopt Successful Restoration Models:
- Example Projects: Follow successful conservation models, such as the biodiversity park in Gurgaon, by engaging civil society, corporates, and local communities in restoration efforts.
- Community Engagement: Partner with ecologists and local volunteers to create self-sustaining ecosystems within the Aravalli region.
Strengthen Legal and Regulatory Measures:
- Enforcement: Strictly enforce existing Supreme Court rulings and legal notifications to prevent illegal mining and construction activities.
- Zoning Laws: Implement and enforce strict zoning laws to prevent further encroachment and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Empower Regulatory Bodies: Strengthen the role of bodies like the Aravali Rejuvenation Board to effectively address illegal activities and promote sustainable land use.
Conclusion
- The Aravalli Range is at a critical juncture, with projections indicating a potential 22% loss of the region by 2059.
- The combined threats of mining, urbanization, and environmental degradation necessitate immediate and coordinated action.
- By enforcing legal measures, investing in large-scale restoration projects, and adopting innovative conservation strategies, we can safeguard the Aravallis, preserve their rich biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse impacts on climate and water resources.
- Protecting the Aravallis is not only crucial for maintaining regional ecological balance but also for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the surrounding areas.
