NEWS

Loss of Aravalli hills because of unchecked mining activities would result in the sandstorms travelling to NCR and Delhi according to new study

DETAILS

• Gradual destruction of the Aravali ranges is leading to
  • Expansion of Thar desert in western Rajasthan
  • Migration of people
  • Changes in the rainfall pattern
  • Spread of sand dunes
  • Unscientific plantation drives
  • Posing a threat to the desert ecology
• Climate change has contributed to the spread of arid region.
• Central University of Rajasthan has predicted that the sandstorms from the desert will travel as far as the National Capital Region (NCR) in the years
• Sandstorms will become intense with the erosion of Aravali hills, which act as a ‘natural green wall’ between the desert and the plains.
• Study was undertaken as part of an assessment of the environmentally sensitive areas within the framework of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
• Since no mechanism has evolved so far to control the spread of sand dunes, the desertification will make an impact on the Aravali ranges’ northern part as an ecotonal area, acting as transition zone between the ecological systems
• Over-exploitation of resources had led to reduction in vegetation cover in the areas adjacent to the Thar desert, contributing to its expansion beyond four districts in western Rajasthan.