NATURAL CONSERVATION ZONE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: In a positive move for the Aravalis in the National Capital Region, the Prime Minister's Office and a ministerial group led by the Home Minister have instructed the Urban Affairs Ministry to maintain the Aravalis' status as a Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ).

 Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ)

• About: It is outlined in the Delhi NCR Regional Plan 2021 and encompasses the entire Aravalli range.
• Components: The zone incorporates the forests, water bodies, and groundwater recharge areas of the Aravalli range.
• Construction Restrictions: Only 0.5 percent of the NCZ area is permitted for construction, exclusively for regional parks and sanctuaries.
• Prohibited Uses: Construction for commercial, residential, tourism, and real estate purposes is strictly prohibited within the NCZ.

Aravalli Range

• Location: North-western of India, stretching from Delhi to Gujarat through Haryana and Rajasthan
• Historical Significance: It stands as one of the oldest fold mountains globally, bearing witness to millions of years of Earth's history.
• Length: 670 km 
• Formation: Its formation is deeply rooted in the collision of tectonic plates during the Proterozoic era, shaping the landscape we see today.
• Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar Peak (1722m) on Mount Abu.
• Rivers: Major rivers like Banas, Sahibi, and Luni originate from the Aravalli, contributing to the rich hydrology of the region and its surrounding areas.