NEW DELHI, Dec 24 : Amid ongoing protests by environmental activists over the new definition of Aravalli range that could lead to exploitation of the range for mining and construction projects, the central government on Wednesday announced a complete ban on the grant of any new mining leases in the Aravallis.
In a press note, the ministry clarified that the prohibition applies uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape and is intended to preserve the integrity of the range.
“The directions are aimed at safeguarding the Aravallis as a continuous geological ridge extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region, and at stopping all unregulated mining activities,” said the Environment Ministry.
The government also said the Indian Council for Forestary Research and Education (ICFRE) has been directed to undertake this exercise while preparing a comprehensive, science-based management plan for sustainable mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region.
The Plan, which will be placed in the public domain for wide stakeholder consultation, will assess the cumulative environmental impact and ecological carrying capacity, identify ecologically sensitive and conservation-critical areas, and lay down measures for restoration and rehabilitation.
This exercise by the Centre will enlarge the coverage of areas which are protected and prohibited for mining in the entire Aravallis. It will keep in mind protection of the local topography, ecology and biodiversity.
The Centre has also directed that for the mines already in operation, the State Governments concerned shall ensure strict compliance with all environmental safeguards and in conformity with the Supreme Court’s order.
Ongoing mining activities are to be regulated stringently, with added restrictions, “to ensure environmental protection and adherence to sustainable mining practices”
Experts had earlier raised concerns over the adoption of new definition approved by the Supreme Court in the November 20 ruling, calling it a “death warrant” for Rajasthan’s oldest mountain range.
According to the revised definition, any landform rising at least 100 metres (328 ft) above the surrounding terrain will be considered an Aravalli hill. Two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other, along with the land between them, will be considered an Aravalli range.
Experts feel this definition would cut down the accepted range considerably, opening up vast areas for mining.
Stretching over nearly 700 km, the Aravalli mountain range has long acted as a natural barrier against sand and dust from the Thar Desert.
It supports groundwater recharge and biodiversity across multiple states, including the Delhi-NCR region. Experts caution that further degradation of the range could trigger desertification in Delhi-NCR and severely affect groundwater reserves.
(UNI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
