Aravalli Range and Ecosystem
Source: Business Standard
GS III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Overview
- News in Brief
- Aravalli Range
- Aravalli Range Ecosystem
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court has prohibited Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi from granting new mining leases in the Aravalli Range.
News in Brief
- It includes Gujarat, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
- A standard buffer zone of 100 meters is enforced around hills by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which was constituted by the Supreme Court to supervise environmental orders in the T.N. Godavarman Thirumalpad case.
- In a 2018 decision, the court called attention to the loss of 31 hills as a result of unlawful mining in Rajasthan and ordered the state to cease within 48 hours.
Aravalli Range
The Aravalli Range, also spelt as Aravali, is a magnificent mountain range in Northern-Western India. Here are some fascinating facts about it:
Geography and Extent
- The Aravalli Range stretches approximately 670 kilometres (420 miles) in a southwest direction.
- It starts near Delhi, passes through southern Haryana, and Rajasthan, and ends in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- The highest peak in this range is Guru Shikhar, located on Mount Abu, standing at an impressive 1,722 meters (5,650 feet) above sea level.
Ancient Origins
- The Aravalli Range is arguably the oldest geological feature on Earth.
- Its origin dates back to the Proterozoic era, making it incredibly ancient.
- These mountains have witnessed immense geological changes over billions of years.
Natural History
- The Aravalli Range is an eroded stub of ancient mountains.
- It is believed to be the oldest range of fold mountains in India.
- During ancient times, the Aravalli Range was much taller, but millions of years of weathering have worn it down significantly.
- Unlike the Himalayas, which are still rising, the Aravalli Range has stopped growing higher due to tectonic plate movements
Etymology
- The name “Aravalli” is a composite Sanskrit word derived from the roots “ara” and “vali,” which mean the “line of peaks“.
Aravalli Range Ecosystem
Rich Biodiversity
- The Aravalli Range hosts diverse flora and fauna. It is home to endangered species such as the Indian wolf, Bengal fox, caracal, striped hyena, and golden jackal.
- Various reptiles also thrive in this region, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
Water Supply
- The Aravalli hills serve as a vital watershed. They supply water to a large part of western India, including the Thar Desert in the northwest.
- Rivers like the Banas, Luni, Sakhi, and Sabarmati originate from the Aravalli Range, ensuring water availability for both human and wildlife populations.
Forest Resources
- Despite being an eroded stub of ancient mountains, the Aravalli Range still harbours reserved forests.
- These forests act as a buffer for urban areas, absorbing the shock of rising anthropogenic actions and pollution.
Livelihood and Farming
- The Aravalli hills support livelihoods and farming in the constituent states.
- Local communities rely on these ecosystems for sustenance and economic activities.
Multpile Chice Questions
Which national park is located in the Aravalli Range?
a) Ranthambore National Park
b) Jim Corbett National Park
c) Gir National Park
d) Sariska Tiger Reserve
For the Answer Scroll down
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Ans: d) Sariska Tiger Reserve