Context: Aravalli safari park project proposed by Haryana Chief Minister which will affect the ecosystem of Aravallis region.

Background

• In April 2022, Chief Minister of Haryana proposed 10,000-acre Aravalli safari park project.

• As per Aravalli Bachao Citizens, this will affect the natural habitats, increase waste generation and destroy the region’s fragile ecosystem.

The key concerns are

• Increase in human footfall and vehicular traffic will affect fauna of the area;

• Will disturb the aquifers under the Aravalli hills that are critical reserves for the water-starved districts;s

• The location of safari park is in water-scarce region;

• Location of Aravalli safari park project falls under the category of ‘forest’ according to orders by the Supreme Court and protected under the Forest Conservation Act.

About Aravalli Mountain range

• It is located in the north-western part of India.

• It is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world.

It is divided into two sections

• The Sambhar-Sirohi ranges: It is taller and includes Guru Peak on Mount Abu (the highest peak in the Aravalli Range).

• The Sambhar-Khetri ranges: It consisting of three ridges that are discontinuous.

• Several rivers are originated from Aravalli range such as the Banas, Luni, Sakhi, and Sabarma

• It’s passes from Gujarat to Delhi.

• Its average height is from 600 to 900 m.

Significance of Aravalli Mountain range

• They act as a barrier to cloud to shift eastwards to the lower Himalayas thus contributing to the climate of north India as well.

• Protects the plains from the effect of westerly flowing from the Central Asia region.

• Its responsible for adequate monsoon rainfall and therefore sustaining a plethora of diverse flora fauna, rich biodiversity, livelihood and agriculture in the constituent states.

• A greener Aravalli acts as a groundwater recharge for the region facing acute water scarcity.

• It plays a major role in affecting the local climate and directing economic activities, leveraging geographical and environmental resources and biodiversity profiles of the region.