Aravalli Hills Mining Controversy Explained

Aravalli Hills Mining Controversy: Key Points

• Supreme Court Ruling: On November 20, 2022, the Supreme Court accepted a new definition of the Aravalli Hills region proposed by the Centre that excludes approximately 90% of the range from protections against mining and development activities.

• New Definition: The redefined Aravalli hills include any landform above 100 meters elevation, raising concerns over ecological degradation due to mining and urbanization.

• Ecological Significance:

  • Aravallis are over a billion years old and act as a protective barrier against desert encroachment, influencing air quality and water cycles in northern India.
  • Home to key wildlife species and 22 wildlife sanctuaries, including three tiger reserves (Ranthambore, Sariska, Mukundra).
  • Provide essential ecological services: water recharge, rainfall facilitation, and mitigation against sand incursion into regions like the Delhi-NCR.

• Environmental Degradation: Studies indicate significant damage due to deforestation, mining, and urban development, with 12 major gaps created within the range.

• Government Directives: The Centre has instructed states to adhere to Supreme Court directives that prohibit new mining leases until a sustainable management plan is established. The Aravalli landscape restoration action plan emphasizes the watershed role of these hills.

• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:

  • Critical for groundwater recharge and sustaining ecosystems, including seasonal rivers across state lines.
  • Disruption from mining could lead to substantial water security threats for growing urban areas, such as Faridabad and Gurugram.

• Resource Richness: The Aravalli range hosts deposits of metals and critical minerals like lead, zinc, copper, nickel, lithium, and rare earth elements (REEs), essential for technology and energy sectors.

• Policy Gaps and Challenges:

  • Despite current protections, the new policy allows exceptions for mining of critical minerals, indicating potential for further resource extraction.
  • Existing strains from urbanization, illegal mining, and environmental degradation necessitate stronger conservation measures.

• National and Strategic Implications: The balance between economic activities (mining for critical minerals) and environmental sustainability remains crucial, with implications for national resource security and climate policy.

Environmental and Government Strategies:

• ‘Aravalli Green Wall’ Project: Framework initiated to combat deforestation and promote restoration efforts.
• Management Plan for Sustainable Mining: Essential consideration in future mining activities, emphasizing ecosystem and wildlife protection before permitting new leases.

In summary, while the new definition of the Aravalli ranges facilitates mining opportunities, significant concerns persist regarding ecological balance, water security, and biodiversity protection in a region of critical ecological and environmental importance.