Mining Activities and their Environmental Impacts in the Aravalli Region of Rajasthan

Abstract

The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, plays a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance of Rajasthan. It supports diverse ecosystems, regulates local climatic conditions, contributes to groundwater recharge, and provides habitats for various plant and animal species. However, increasing mining activities in the region have created substantial environmental challenges. This study aims to examine the environmental impacts of mining activities in the Aravalli region of Rajasthan, with particular emphasis on land degradation, deforestation, biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, and changes in the regional landscape. The study adopts a geographical perspective and is based on secondary data collected from government reports, research publications, environmental assessments, and relevant policy documents. It analyses the relationship between mining expansion and ecological deterioration, highlighting the spatial variations in environmental impacts across mining-intensive areas. The study also considers the implications of unregulated and unsustainable mining practices for local communities, natural resources, and long-term environmental sustainability. It argues that excessive extraction of minerals, inadequate mine-site restoration, and weak environmental monitoring can intensify ecological vulnerability in the Aravalli landscape. The study emphasises the need for scientific mining practices, effective enforcement of environmental regulations, restoration of degraded mining sites, and community participation in conservation initiatives. Integrating environmental planning with responsible mineral resource management is essential to protect the ecological integrity of the Aravalli Range while balancing regional economic development.