Context:
The Aravalli mountain range in Rajasthan is facing an escalating illegal mining crisis, with more than 77% of illegal mining FIRs between 2020–2023 originating from Aravalli districts. The issue has intensified due to disputes over the definition of “Aravalli hills”, which could determine the extent of legal protection against mining activities.
Key Highlights:
Extent of Illegal Mining
- Over 77% of FIRs related to illegal mining in Rajasthan (2020–2023) were filed in Aravalli districts.
- These districts account for 56% of illegal mining cases despite holding less than 45% of the state’s mining leases.
- Rajasthan contributes over 10% of India’s illegal mining cases.
Legal and Policy Disputes
- The Supreme Court is examining disputes regarding the definition of “Aravalli hills.”
- A technical committee proposed defining Aravalli hills using:
- Minimum slope: 4.57 degrees
- Minimum height: 30 meters
- The Environment Ministry proposed a stricter definition, requiring hills to be 100 meters above local relief.
Concerns Raised
- Forest Survey of India (FSI) and amicus curiae warned that the proposed definition could exclude many smaller hills, opening them for mining.
- This could weaken environmental safeguards and accelerate illegal extraction of minerals.
Ecological Significance of the Aravalli Range
- The Aravalli range extends about 800 km, with 560 km passing through Rajasthan.
- It passes through 20 districts in Rajasthan.
- The region contains 16 wildlife sanctuaries.
Environmental Functions of Aravalli
- Acts as a natural barrier preventing desert expansion from the Thar Desert.
- Supports groundwater recharge and watershed stability.
- Maintains regional climate stability.
- Serves as an important wildlife corridor connecting fragmented habitats.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Aravalli Range
- One of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world.
- Extends from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Delhi and Haryana.
- Major peaks include Guru Shikhar (Mount Abu).
- Ecological Role of Aravallis
- Prevents eastward spread of desertification.
- Maintains groundwater recharge zones.
- Supports biodiversity and forest ecosystems.
- First Information Report (FIR)
- Official document recorded by police when information about a cognizable offense is received.
- Amicus Curiae
- A “friend of the court” who provides expertise or information to assist judicial decision-making.
- Mining Lease
- Legal agreement granting rights to extract minerals from a designated area.
Relevant Mains Points:
Major Drivers of Illegal Mining in Aravalli
- High demand for construction materials such as sandstone and marble.
- Weak monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
- Ambiguities in environmental regulations and geographical definitions.
- Involvement of organized networks and local political interests.
Environmental Consequences
- Loss of forest cover and biodiversity.
- Groundwater depletion and water scarcity.
- Increased desertification and soil erosion.
- Disruption of wildlife corridors and ecosystems.
Governance Challenges
- Lack of uniform definition of protected hill ecosystems.
- Inadequate coordination between state and central authorities.
- Weak implementation of mining regulations.
Way Forward
- Establish a scientifically consistent definition of Aravalli hills.
- Strengthen remote sensing monitoring and GIS-based tracking of mining activities.
- Enhance inter-agency coordination for enforcement.
- Promote community participation in ecological conservation.
- Implement strict penalties and restoration mechanisms for mined areas.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper I: Indian Geography – Aravalli range and desertification control.
- GS Paper II: Governance – regulation of mining and environmental policy.
- GS Paper III: Environment – biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.
- Prelims: Aravalli range features, FIR, amicus curiae, environmental significance.