What is the 'double attack' on the Aravalli ecosystem?

The 'double attack' refers to proposed exemptions for Waste-to-Energy plants from environmental clearance and a redefinition of Aravalli hills that excludes most of the range.

How does the new Aravalli hills definition impact the ecosystem?

The new definition, counting only landforms over 100m elevation, excludes over 90% of the Aravalli hills, potentially opening them to mining and construction.

Why are Waste-to-Energy plants a concern for the Aravallis?

Critics fear that without mandatory environmental clearance, highly toxic Waste-to-Energy plants could be built in the Aravallis, leading to significant pollution.

Home / Environment / Aravalli Ecosystem Under Double Attack: Citizens Rally

Aravalli Ecosystem Under Double Attack: Citizens Rally

1 Dec

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Summary

New policies exempt waste plants from environmental clearance.
Redefined Aravalli hills exclude over 90% of the range.
Citizens voice alarm over potential pollution and biodiversity loss.

Aravalli Ecosystem Under Double Attack: Citizens Rally

A significant gathering of citizens and environmental volunteers recently convened to voice strong opposition to what they described as a "double attack" on the Aravalli ecosystem. The focus was on two recent governmental actions: a draft notification to exempt Waste-to-Energy plants and landfills from mandatory Environmental Clearance (EC), and a redefinition of the Aravalli hills by a Union Environment Ministry panel.

Environmental advocates expressed shock over the potential exemption for Waste-to-Energy plants and landfills, warning it could permit highly toxic facilities in sensitive areas like the Aravallis without proper oversight. Concurrently, a Supreme Court-accepted redefinition of Aravalli hills now considers only landforms above 100 meters elevation, excluding over 90% of the range previously protected under broader norms.