Why in the news?
- The Supreme Court of India has refused to allow the Haryana government to proceed with its proposed Aravalli Zoo Safari Project until the definition of the “Aravalli Range” is scientifically clarified by experts.
- The Court observed that no one will be allowed to “touch the Aravallis” until the matter is conclusively settled.
About the Aravalli Range
- One of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world
- Extends across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi
- Acts as:
- Natural barrier against desertification from the Thar Desert
- Groundwater recharge zone
- Biodiversity hotspot
- Climate regulator for North India
What is the Zoo Safari Project?
- Proposed by Haryana Government
- Initially planned over 10,000 acres, later reduced to 3,300 acres
- Envisioned as the world’s largest zoo safari
- Includes:
- Big cat zones
- Enclosures for birds, reptiles and butterflies
- Located in Gurgaon and Nuh districts
- Petitioners, including retired Indian Forest Service officers and NGO “People for Aravallis”, argued that the project could further degrade the ecologically fragile region.
| [2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:
1. Deep gorges 2. U-turn river courses 3. Parallel mountain ranges 4. Steep gradients causing land sliding Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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