Introduction
The Aravalli hills are one of the oldest mountain ranges in India. The 670 km north-western range is rich in biodiversity and minerals. This is why it is a hub not only for illegal but also for legal mining. Recent verdicts from higher authorities in India allow mining in the Aravalli Hills. However, this led to significant public backlash. So, let’s see what’s wrong with mining in the Aravalli Hills in India and whether there is a way to meet in the middle.
Aravalli Hills Mining In India
The Aravalli range is one of the most biologically diverse areas, with rich biodiversity and natural resources. Therefore, it is always high on the radar of industrialists and other profit-seeking authorities. However, the mining in the Aravalli is illegal to preserve the natural order of things. Still, some unlawful mining activities are taking place in the Aravalli region.
Illegal Mining In The Region
It is one of the most significant problems not only in Aravalli but in the entire nation. Since the region is rich in mineral deposits, its biodiversity is under threat. Even with rules and regulations in place, the area remains dangerous. However, the solution is not to legalise mining activities, as they will destroy the entire region.
Some common deposits in the Aravalli range:
- Marble.
- Granite.
- Limestone.
- Tin.
- Lithium.
Changing Jurisdictions
The latest court verdicts allowed mining in the Aravalli range. For this, they change the definition of hills. It is a ludicrous argument, and everyone can see the greed and power influence behind the decision. However, changing the definitions doesn’t mean that one can change reality. And the fact is that Aravalli Hills mining is a heinous act, and no law and order can justify these actions.
The Costs of Mining
The profit of today should not hide the losses of tomorrow. Apart from the rich biodiversity of the Aravalli Hills, they serve a greater purpose. The whole range is a natural boundary between the Thar Desert and the north Indian cities. Since the great desert is expanding, the natural barriers should stay firm. However, the mining activities take it all away from the region and will likely make things worse.
- Loss of habitat.
- Thar desert expansion.
- Possibility of climate change.
The Dilemma of Development and Mining
There are no good deals in the economic landscape—only tradeoffs exist. Yes, mining provides us with some of the most crucial minerals for development; however, it doesn’t mean it can be sustainable.
The loss of ecology, habitat, and land is irreversible, and no form of development can justify it. Therefore, only one thing is possible: either development through mining or the sustainability of the region through conservation or preservation.
Public Sentiments and Sustainable Development
People are not happy with the governance in India. This is true on both the state and national levels. That’s why people erupted onto the scene and were able to stop the mining in the Aravalli Hills. This is the type of unity that keeps a nation together.
Moreover, the dispute is not over hills but over the morale of the country. Thus, the whole matter is an example of public resistance not only to bad leadership driven by greed but also to hypocritical jurisdiction.
Final Thoughts On Aravalli Hills Mining
Hills are the pride and beauty of a region. They not only support biodiversity but also promote ecological balance. Therefore, no one has the right to destroy these for the sake of capital gains. Also, even the claims of sustainability are suspect when human greed is the moral compass.