India’s Union Environment Ministry affirms robust protection for Aravalli Hills despite a new definition sparking protests. Mining stays confined to just 0.19% of the range. Critics question exclusions that could open tracts to development.
A Supreme Court-approved committee sets Aravalli as landforms rising 100 metres above local relief, including slopes. This replaces the Forest Survey of India‘s 3-degree slope from state baselines like Rajasthan’s 115m low point. Local profiles now guide measurements precisely.
Moreover, hills under 500m apart connect as one continuous range. Protected zones like tiger reserves and sanctuaries remain off-limits regardless. No new leases grant until detailed studies complete.
Ministry’s Assurance on Mining
Minister Bhupender Yadav states mining permissible in only 0.19% of 1.44 lakh sq km expanse. Sub-Saharan Africa-style cuts don’t apply here; systems endure pressure. Illegal mining and broader threats linger unaddressed, however.
Additionally, Rajasthan’s Sariska boundary “rationalisation” attempt failed after court intervention. FSI identified vast areas now potentially excluded significantly.
Protected Areas Hold Firm
Tiger reserves, national parks, sanctuaries, eco-sensitive zones, wetlands, and plantations stay safeguarded under wildlife laws. These override the new benchmark strictly. Sariska and Ranthambore exemplify vital convergences protected.
Yet, districts like Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, and Nagaur drop from 34-district lists. FSI’s formula covered 40,483 sq km in Rajasthan; new rules exclude 99.12% potentially.
Inclusion vs Exclusion Debate
Ministry claims 100m rule includes more than FSI’s slope in low-gradient districts. Average slopes below 3 degrees would exclude plains-heavy areas otherwise. Local baselines avoid overreach from fixed points like sea-level minima.
Critics highlight derecognition risks in Delhi NCR end ranges. Real estate pressures mount as heights drop below thresholds. Non-mining harms like urban sprawl threaten landscapes profoundly.
Protection Status Comparison
| Aspect | FSI 3-Degree Slope | New 100m Local Relief |
| Rajasthan Coverage | 40,483 sq km | Excludes ~99% of identified hills |
| Baseline | State minimum (115m) | Immediate surroundings |
| Districts Included | 15 key ones | Drops Sawai Madhopur, others |
| Mining Scope | Broader restrictions | 0.19% permissible post-study |
| Protected Overrides | Wildlife areas safe | Same, but exclusions elsewhere |
This table contrasts approaches clearly. Balances ecology with practicality.
Q&A: Aravalli Clarifications
Q: Does new rule allow rampant mining?
A: No, limited to 0.19%; studies precede approvals.
Q: Why drop districts like Ranthambore’s?
A: Local relief reclassifies; reserves protected separately.
Q: Real estate threat real?
A: Possible in low-height NCR tracts now excluded.
Q: FSI concerns addressed?
A: Ministry cites larger inclusion in low-slope zones.
FAQ: Aravalli Protection Facts
Tiger reserves affected?
No, wildlife laws supersede definitions.
Illegal mining status?
Unaddressed; remains key ecology risk.
Supreme Court role?
Approved November 20; monitors implementations.
Delhi NCR impacts?
End ranges may open to development pressures.
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