The central government has taken a big and decisive step for the protection of Aravalli hills. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued clear instructions to all states associated with the Aravalli region that no new mining leases will be issued in the entire region. The ban will apply uniformly to the entire Aravalli mountain range stretching from Gujarat to Delhi.
The government’s aim is to completely end illegal and uncontrolled mining in the Aravalli and preserve this ancient mountain range as a continuous and intact landform. The central government has made it clear that it is fully committed to the long-term protection of the Aravalli.
Important Role of Aravalli in Environmental Balance
The Aravalli hills play an important role in controlling air pollution in Delhi-NCR and surrounding areas, preventing desertification, recharging ground water table and maintaining biodiversity. According to experts, if the Aravalli is damaged, it can have a direct impact on the environment of the entire North India. Keeping this in mind, the central government has prioritized their protection.
Under the government’s decision to completely ban new mines,
no new mining leases will be granted in the Aravalli region. This decision has been taken in view of the increasing activities of illegal mining in the area and the environmental damage caused by it. With this step, the natural structure of Aravalli will be protected and the damage to the environment will be curbed.
Expansion of Protected Areas
The central government has directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas in the entire Aravalli region where mining can be completely banned. This process will be outside of previously restricted areas and will take into account aspects such as ecology, geology and landscape.
ICFRE will also have to prepare a scientific and comprehensive Sustainable Mining Management Plan (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region. This plan will include assessment of the total impact on the environment, identification of sensitive areas, restoration measures and study of the carrying capacity of mining. After the plan is prepared, it will be made public, so that all concerned parties can give their suggestions.
The government believes that this process will further increase the scope of protected areas in the Aravalli, so that the local topography, ecology and biodiversity can be better protected.
There will be strict monitoring of the ongoing mines.
For those mines that are already operating, strict instructions have been given to the state governments to ensure strict compliance of all environmental regulations. Additional restrictions will be imposed on ongoing mining activities in line with Supreme Court orders. It will be mandatory to follow all the guidelines related to sustainable mining, so as not to cause any kind of damage to the environment.
The central government says that the protection of the Aravalli is very important to prevent the spread of desertification, save biodiversity, maintain the groundwater level and provide essential environmental services to the entire region. This verdict is considered to be a turning point in the long-running dispute over Aravalli conservation and will ensure better and effective protection of the hills in the future.