The central government has taken a significant step to fully protect the Aravalli hills. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has directed all respective states to refrain from issuing any new mining leases in the Aravalli region. This ban will uniformly apply to the entire stretch from Gujarat to Delhi, aimed at completely curbing illegal and unregulated mining activities and preserving Aravalli as a sustainable geological feature.
The Aravalli hills play a vital role in keeping the air in Delhi-NCR clean, halting desert encroachment, recharging groundwater, and conserving biodiversity. The central government has showcased its full commitment to their long-term preservation.
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No new mining leases will be given throughout the Aravalli terrain. This decision was made in light of the escalating issue of illegal mining. It will help maintain the natural structure of Aravalli and protect the environment from any damage.
Source: aajtak
The central government has ordered the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas across the Aravalli range where mining should be completely prohibited. This work will be in addition to already restricted zones and will be based on ecology, geology, and landscape assessments.
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ICFRE is tasked with developing a scientific and comprehensive Sustainable Mining Management Plan (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli range. This plan will include the assessment of total environmental impact, identification of sensitive areas, measures for restoration, and an analysis of mining's carrying capacity. Once prepared, the plan will be open for public feedback from all stakeholders.
This move will significantly expand the protected area within Aravalli, particularly considering local topography, ecology, and biodiversity.
Source: aajtak
For ongoing mines, state governments are instructed to ensure strict compliance with all environmental regulations. According to Supreme Court orders, additional restrictions will be imposed on existing mining activities. The complete adherence to sustainable mining rules is imperative to prevent environmental harm.
The central government emphasizes that the conservation of Aravalli is crucial for arresting desert spread, preserving biodiversity, maintaining groundwater levels, and providing environmental services to the region. This decision marks an essential step in the longstanding Aravalli preservation debate and aims to ensure better protection for the hills in the future.
