MaThe attractive hills of Aravalli, which are very important from the point of view of the environment in the prevention of desertification, are being misused continuously. Where illegal mining is already taking place in these hills, it has now come to light that the scrap (junk) mafia is also targeting the environment here. Illegal portable scrap furnaces along the Haryana-Rajasthan border are burning vehicle scrap, such as rubber tyres, emitting toxic fumes. The harmful gas is not only polluting the air, water and soil but also destroying the wild life. The animals are having to wander and the health of the local people is also being played with.
Lack of accountability is making this crisis worse. Taking advantage of the jurisdictional confusion between Haryana and Rajasthan, the junk mafia is doing its work unhindered. The mining mafia is also active in the same way as the boundaries of the two states are not clear. Villagers are complaining about pollution and other health hazards but the bureaucracy does not seem to be serious about it. Due to lack of staff and unclear boundaries, the administration is struggling to deal with these illegal portable furnaces. No wonder such administrative lapses have emboldened the bad elements. They are escaping the brutal action by crossing state borders.
Coordinated action is needed to stop this destruction of the environment. Haryana’s Forest Minister has promised to crack down on negligent officers and culprits, but mild actions will not do. States will have to come together and adopt a comprehensive approach to solve this crisis. To keep track of activities in Aravalli, sophisticated surveillance techniques like geospatial mapping and drone patrolling will have to be used. Apart from this, strict penalties and prompt legal action are also necessary for prevention. Equipping local communities with tools and appropriate platforms to report violations can also strengthen prevention efforts. The Aravalli Hills are the lifeline of millions of local people. They replenish ground water and reduce urban heat. Allowing their destruction for short-term gain is tantamount to doing injustice to the environment, which future generations will not forgive. Resolute action is needed to save this precious treasure.
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