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    Over 30% of Aravalli Range at Risk, Conservationists Call for Full Protection

    5 days ago

    A recent satellite audit has revealed that 31.8% of the Aravalli range is under ecological threat, following the central government’s recent classification that defines “hills” for legal protection as areas above 100 meters in height. The people-driven conservation group “We Are Aravalli” has demanded that the entire Aravalli range be declared a fully protected zone, with no distinction between hills and mountains based on height.

    The group claims that the government’s own estimate of the affected area—0.19%—does not reflect the actual ecological vulnerability of the Aravalli hills. They have also urged for an immediate ban on mining activities across the range to prevent further environmental degradation.

    Supreme Court and Legal Status

    Currently, the Supreme Court has put its directions on defining the Aravalli hills on hold. This pause comes amid rising concerns over the potential ecological damage from unregulated mining and construction in the region. Conservationists emphasize that the Aravallis, which stretch across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, play a crucial role in maintaining regional biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and acting as a natural barrier against desertification.

    Ecological Significance of the Aravalli Range

    The Aravalli hills, some of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, are home to diverse flora and fauna, including several endangered species. They also serve as an important groundwater recharge zone, providing water resources for nearby urban and rural areas. According to experts, the recent classification threatens these critical environmental functions by allowing mining in areas previously considered ecologically sensitive.

    The conservation collective highlighted that without proper protection, the Aravallis could face irreversible ecological damage, including deforestation, loss of wildlife habitat, and deterioration of water resources.

    Call for Policy Reform

    “We cannot allow arbitrary height-based classifications to determine ecological protection,” said a representative of the “We Are Aravalli” group. “The entire Aravalli range must be fully protected, and mining or construction in these areas must be strictly prohibited. This is essential to preserve the environmental stability and heritage of the region.”

    The group has urged the government to adopt policies that prioritize ecological sustainability over short-term economic gains and ensure stricter enforcement of existing environmental regulations.

    Way Forward

    Environmental experts and conservationists hope that the government will revise its policy framework to ensure comprehensive protection of the Aravalli hills. They argue that protecting the Aravallis is not only a matter of ecological conservation but also crucial for safeguarding local communities, preventing natural disasters, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

     

    The issue has gained public attention as urban expansion and industrial activity continue to encroach on the Aravalli range, prompting calls for urgent action from both the judiciary and policy makers.

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