The Haryana government recently appealed to the Supreme Court to allow resumption of mining in the Aravalli Hills. This appeal was made on account of the economic slowdown faced by the state due to the pandemic. What makes this move significant is the Aravalli Range’s environmental and geographical importance.
About the Aravalli Range
Stretching approximately 720 km from Himmatnagar in Gujarat to Delhi, the Aravalli Range spans across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi. These mountains, dating back millions of years, emerged when a pre-Indian subcontinent collided with the mainland Eurasian Plate. This collision resulted in one of the world’s oldest fold mountains, now forming residual mountains that range between 300m to 900m in height. The highest peak in this range is the Guru Shikhar Peak on Mount Abu, standing tall at 1,722 m.
The Formation and Extension of Aravalli Range
The Aravalli Mountain Range primarily consists of folded crusts formed through orogenic movement, a process where two convergent plates move towards each other. The mountains are split into two main ranges – the Sambhar Sirohi Range and the Sambhar Khetri Range in Rajasthan, where they extend up to 560 km. A hidden limb of the Aravallis, stretching from Delhi to Haridwar, creates a unique divide between the drainage systems of the Ganga and Indus rivers.
The Significance of Aravalli Range
The Aravalli Range serves multiple ecological purposes, including acting as a barrier against desertification. This mountain range historically prevented the spread of the Thar Desert towards the Indo-Gangetic plains. Moreover, the Aravalli Range provides habitat for over 300 native plant species, 120 bird species, and various exclusive animal species like the jackal and mongoose, thus contributing to biodiversity.
Effects on Climate and Groundwater Recharge
The Aravallis influence the climate of northwest India. During the monsoon, they divert clouds towards Shimla and Nainital, consequently nurturing sub-Himalayan rivers and nourishing the North Indian plains. In winters, the range shields the fertile alluvial river valleys from the cold westerly winds of Central Asia. Additionally, the Aravallis contribute significantly to groundwater recharge, absorbing rainwater and replenishing groundwater levels.
The Aravalli Range: Haryana’s Lungs
Haryana, with a mere 3.59% forest cover (according to a 2017 Report), considers the Aravalli Range its “lungs” — the primary source of its forest cover and an important shield against pollution.
Threats to the Aravalli Range
Despite its ecological importance, the Aravalli Range has suffered years of quarrying and environmental degradation. As per a 2018 report by a Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC), illegal mining since 1967-68 has resulted in the loss of 25% of the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan. The mining activities have also destroyed aquifers and led to deforestation—resulting in the death of many rivers originating in the Aravallis, including the Banas, Luni, Sahibi, and Sakhi.
Steps Taken to Protect the Range
Since 2002, mining in the Aravalli region has been banned under the orders of the Supreme Court unless explicitly permitted by the Union Environment Ministry. However, illegal mining continues. Plans are underway for creating a green wall stretching from Porbandar to Panipat to restore degraded land by afforestation along the Aravalli Range. With assistance from ecologists, residents and volunteers are being rallied by ‘iamgurgaon’, a citizen action group, to conserve the Aravallis—proving that societal involvement could be an effective strategy in combating environmental degradation.