The Central Government has taken a big step for the complete protection of the Aravalli Hills. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has directed all concerned states that no new mining lease will be granted in the Aravalli region. This ban will be uniformly applicable on the entire Aravalli range extending from Gujarat to Delhi. Its objective is to completely stop illegal and uncontrolled mining and to save Aravali as a continuous landform.
Aravali Hills play a very important role in keeping Delhi-NCR’s air clean, preventing the spread of desertification, recharging groundwater and preserving biodiversity. The central government has shown full commitment to their long-term security.
Complete ban on new mines
No new mining lease will be given in the entire Aravali area. This decision has been taken in view of the increasing problem of illegal mining. With this, the natural structure of Aravali will be preserved and the environment will not be harmed.
Protected area will increase further
The Center has directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas in the entire Aravalli region where mining should be completely banned. This work will be done in addition to the already restricted areas. Will be done on the basis of ecology, geology and landscape.
ICFRE has to prepare a scientific and comprehensive Sustainable Mining Management Plan (MPSM) for the entire Aravali. This plan will include assessment of the total impact on the environment, identification of sensitive areas, restoration measures and study of the carrying capacity of mining. After the plan is ready, it will be made public so that suggestions can be taken from all the parties.
This will further expand the protected area in Aravali, especially keeping in mind the local topography, ecology and biodiversity.
Strict monitoring of ongoing mines
For the mines which are already running, instructions have been given to the state governments to strictly follow all the environmental rules. As per the orders of the Supreme Court, additional restrictions will be imposed on the ongoing mining activities. The rules of sustainable mining will have to be followed completely so that there is no harm to the environment.
The central government says that conservation of Aravali is necessary to stop the spread of the desert, save biodiversity, maintain groundwater levels and provide environmental services to the region. This decision is an important step in the long running Aravalli conservation dispute. This will ensure better security of the hills in the times to come.
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