No end to illegal sand mining in Faridabad Aravalis

GURUGRAM: Locals have alleged that illegal sand mining activities are being carried out in the Faridabad Aravalis near Bharadwaj lake. Camels are being used to transport the sand to different areas, they said.

The Aravali hills, which are spread from Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi, are an ecologically sensitive zone but have borne the brunt of quarrying and environmental degradation over several decades. This has led to the destruction of aquifers and deforestation in the region, environmentalists said.

In a 2018 report, a Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had pointed out that around 25% of the Aravali range had been lost due to illegal mining in Rajasthan between 1967 and 1968.

“Incidents of illegal sand mining are not new to this area. Mining and tree felling activities are carried out by encroachers very frequently,” said Jitender Bhadana, a Faridabad-based environmental activist.

All these activities are still being carried out at a time when the apex court has imposed a ban on mining activities in the area. “If the Haryana government gets the approval for resumption of mining, it could result in the complete destruction of NCR’s green lungs, groundwater recharge zone, shield against desertification and wildlife habitat. The lives of millions of people in the adjoining areas and wildlife in the Aravalis are at stake,” said Neelam Ahkuwalia, a member of the Aravali Bachao Citizens’ Movement.

She added, “Mining is being conducted to make the development process cheaper by using the natural resources already available in the state. However, it is high time we realise that this infrastructure would not matter without the availability of clean air and water. The Aravalis occupy a mere 2% of the land area in Haryana and need to be left alone for life in NCR cities to sustain. Sand mining is taking place in Bharadwaj lake in Faridabad.”

When TOI approached the Faridabad forest department, the department said it would take action against those found involved in illegal mining. “I will ensure that the patrolling team keeps a close watch in the area. We will take the action required against illegal sand miners,” said Raj Kumar, divisional forest officer, Faridabad.