How is the Aravalli range to be protected? | Explained

The Aravalli Range, one of the world's oldest fold mountain systems, stands as a silent sentinel guarding India's environmental security. Stretching approximately 692 kilometers from Gujarat, through Rajasthan and Haryana, to Delhi, this ancient range plays a pivotal role in preventing the eastward march of the Thar Desert into the fertile Indo-Gangetic Plains. Its protection is not merely an environmental concern but a critical aspect of India's long-term agricultural productivity, water security, and ecological balance.

Historically, the Aravallis have been a source of minerals, leading to extensive mining activities for decades. However, unchecked and often illegal mining, coupled with encroachment for urbanization and infrastructure projects, has severely degraded the range. This degradation threatens its ecological functions, including groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation, and its crucial role as a climate regulator. The depletion of the Aravalli's green cover and geological structure exacerbates the risk of desertification, impacting the livelihoods of millions dependent on the agricultural bounty of the plains.

The urgency of protecting the Aravallis gained significant judicial attention, culminating in various interventions by the Supreme Court of India. A key development was the constitution of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) in 2002. The CEC, established by the Supreme Court, serves as a watchdog, monitoring the implementation of environmental laws and forest conservation efforts across the country. In the context of the Aravallis, the CEC highlighted the rampant illegal mining and encroachment, recommending stringent measures to curb these activities. A major challenge identified by the CEC and subsequently reiterated by the Supreme Court was the lack of a uniform and clear definition of 'Aravalli hills' and 'forest land' across the states. This ambiguity created loopholes that allowed illegal activities to thrive, as authorities struggled to enforce protection measures on areas not explicitly classified as protected.

Key stakeholders in this complex issue include the Central Government (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change - MoEFCC), the state governments of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, which administer different sections of the range, local communities whose livelihoods are intertwined with the Aravallis, mining companies, real estate developers, and environmental activists and NGOs. The Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) also act as crucial judicial stakeholders, issuing directives and judgments to enforce environmental laws. Local communities often face a dilemma between immediate economic gains from mining or development and the long-term ecological benefits of conservation.

The significance of the Aravalli protection for India is multi-faceted. Environmentally, it is indispensable for preventing desertification, maintaining groundwater levels, and preserving a unique biodiversity hotspot. Economically, its degradation directly impacts agriculture in the Indo-Gangetic plains, potentially leading to food insecurity. The Aravallis also contribute to regional climate regulation, influencing monsoon patterns. Socially, the health and well-being of communities residing near mining areas are severely affected by pollution and resource depletion. The issue also touches upon governance, highlighting challenges in inter-state coordination and effective enforcement of environmental regulations.

Constitutional provisions underpin the efforts to protect the Aravallis. Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates that 'The State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.' Furthermore, Article 51A(g) lists it as a Fundamental Duty of every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.' These articles provide the constitutional mandate for legislative actions like the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, which are crucial tools in the legal battle to save the Aravallis. The Supreme Court's consistent interventions reflect judicial activism aimed at upholding these constitutional principles.

The future implications are profound. A clear, uniform definition of the Aravalli region, coupled with robust enforcement mechanisms, could lead to more effective conservation. This includes stricter bans on illegal mining, reforestation efforts, and sustainable land-use planning. The ongoing legal battles and the push for a precise definition underscore a broader theme of balancing development with environmental sustainability. The success or failure in protecting the Aravallis will set a precedent for environmental governance in other ecologically sensitive regions of India, influencing policy decisions on resource management, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation for generations to come. It's a test case for India's commitment to sustainable development and its ability to safeguard its natural heritage against relentless anthropogenic pressures.