Mining break on Aravalli: Modi government’s decision, war of environment vs development!

The Modi government has shown sensitivity towards the environment by currently banning new mining activities in the Aravalli mountain range. This decision has come at a time when the opposition from common citizens, environmental activists and social organizations was continuously intensifying and the matter was also taking a political form.

Although this step of the government is a relief, the question is whether this ban will be permanent and whether effective action will be taken against the mines already running.

Aravali, known as the “ecological shield” of Delhi-NCR and Western India, is today facing an existential crisis. More than 1000 mines are active in Rajasthan alone and experience shows that illegal mining causes more damage than legal mining. Unless there is a clear and strict ban on mining in Aravali, the conservation claims will remain incomplete.

The root of the controversy is related to the order of the Supreme Court, in which the scientific definition of considering only landforms 100 meters or more in height as Aravali was accepted. Due to this, a large part of Aravali may be out of the scope of conservation. In protest against this, ‘Aravalli Movement’ intensified and mass marches started.

The government argues that mining brings jobs and the economy, while the opposition and experts warn that growth at the expense of the environment cannot be sustainable. Congress alleges that the government wants to limit the conservation area by changing the definition of Aravali, while the government is calling these allegations misleading.

Aravali is not just a range of mountains, but a wall to prevent the spread of the Thar Desert, a source of groundwater recharge and a lifeline for Delhi-NCR. Experts believe that if Aravalli weakens, it will affect climate, water and life.

Now the Environment Ministry has asked for a ban on mining till the scientific report is prepared and to make a sustainable mining plan. The real test lies in whether this step is just a temporary decision taken under pressure or is it really a solid start towards saving Aravali.