Why are the Aravalli hills facing ecological threats, and what can be done to ensure their long-term conservation?

The Aravalli hills, one of the oldest mountain ranges in India, stretch across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. They play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, checking desertification, and supporting biodiversity. However, the Aravallis are under severe ecological threat due to both natural and human-induced factors. Reasons for Ecological Threats to Aravalli Hills:

• Illegal Mining: Widespread illegal mining for minerals like granite, marble, and sand has led to deforestation, habitat loss, and landscape degradation.
• Urbanization and Encroachments: Rapid expansion of cities like Gurugram and Delhi has resulted in large-scale encroachment, leading to loss of forest cover and fragmentation of habitats.
• Deforestation: Trees are cut down for timber, fuel, and to clear land for agriculture or construction, reducing green cover and affecting local wildlife.
• Industrialization: Establishment of industries near the Aravallis increases pollution and further disturbs the ecosystem.
• Climate Change: Changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures impact the fragile ecology of the region, making it more vulnerable to degradation.
• Overgrazing: Livestock grazing beyond the carrying capacity of the land leads to soil erosion and loss of vegetation.

Measures for Long-term Conservation:

• Strict Enforcement of Laws: Implement and enforce existing environmental laws like the Supreme Court ban on mining in the Aravallis, and the Forest Conservation Act.
• Afforestation and Reforestation: Undertake large-scale plantation drives with native species to restore degraded areas and improve forest cover.
• Community Participation: Involve local communities in conservation efforts, promote eco-friendly livelihoods, and raise awareness about the importance of the Aravallis.
• Eco-sensitive Zoning: Declare the Aravallis as an eco-sensitive zone to regulate construction, mining, and other harmful activities.
• Monitoring and Surveillance: Use satellite imagery, drones, and ground surveys to monitor illegal activities and ecological changes in real time.
• Water Conservation: Restore traditional water bodies and promote rainwater harvesting to rejuvenate groundwater and support local flora and fauna.
• Research and Education: Encourage research on the Aravalli ecosystem and conduct educational campaigns to build public support for conservation.