Protect whatever is left of Aravallis, combat illegal mining, environmental group urges Haryana government

Spread over 692 km, the Aravallis cover Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana. In Haryana, they are found in the southwest part of the state, covering five divisions: Gurgaon, Faridabad, Mewat, Mahendargarh, and Rewari.

Extensively documenting the destruction and deforestation caused by illegal mining and other commercial activities in the Aravallis, the 70-page report makes a host of recommendations to alleviate the situation and salvage what remains.

The collective sought to have the entire forest stretch designated a ‘Critical Ecological Zone’ and to commission independent studies to quantify the value and destruction of the ecosystem services provided by the Aravalli mountain region.

It further called for laws against ecological crimes, specifically to penalise those indulging in illegal mining, encroachments, tree felling, poaching, and waste dumping in the Aravallis.

The diversion of Aravalli land for real estate projects by the Haryana government should be halted, and the state should withdraw its appeal against the Supreme Court’s ban on mining in the area, it said.

“Current ill health of the Aravalli range (as brought out in this Citizens’ Report) cannot afford more extraction of natural resources for construction as it is jeopardising the principle of sustainability. To save what is left of the 2 billion year old Aravalli range and the ecosystem services it provides, it is crucial to mainstream alternatives for the use of virgin stone mined from the mountains across Haryana, Rajasthan & Gujarat. The real estate and infrastructure sectors should be directed to find alternative sources for meeting their requirements. Industry can commission independent studies and assessments to seek/source the building materials from alternative sources that they can use for the next 50 years,” it said.

The report also sought compensation for those with serious illnesses resulting from mining-induced pollution in the region.

It also sought that the government devise and implement an action plan to remove invasive plant species across the Aravalli belt, and undertake the planting of native species.

It said the Haryana Forest Department should impose a complete ban on planting trees like papdi and kabli jikar in public places, near roads, and around ponds, as these trees release harmful gases that negatively impact the health of humans and animals.

The collective also sought the revival of dried-up rivers and seasonal streams in Haryana, like Dohan and Krishnawati. It also proposed the removal of water-intensive factories near these areas and the Sabu River, as well as all other encroachments, to allow the groundwater to recharge naturally.