Karoonjhar mountains are located in Nagarparkar near the district Tharparkar on the northern edge of the Rann of Kutch. They mostly consist of granite rock and are likely an extension of the Aravalli range of India. The Aravalli range belongs to the Archaean period and is thus one of the oldest rock systems. Karoonjhar area is geographically different from the surrounding desert and is very limited in the expanse. The Karoonjhar range is 19 km in length and attains a height of 305 m. Karoonjhar Mountains are rich in mineral deposits.
The Karoonjhar was famously known as Kinro. The Mountain Range has several places of historical importance, like Bhodeser talao, Alakh wao (hidden well), Anchlechure, Sardaro, Gao Mukhi.
Economic significance
Apart from its beauty, Karoonjhar has economic significance for the local people of the area as it is rich in mineral deposits and plant medicinal values. Karoonjhar has economic significance for the locals as it is rich in deposits and plant medicinal values. This mountain is economically so significant that there is a local saying “Karoonjhar yields a hundred kilos of gold regularly.“
Extraction of minerals
Karoonjhar’s inherent richness has attracted many for extracting granite and using it to build buildings and dams has already made both the local government and various corporations stick to this region like ringworms, leaving bald spots across these sacred and historic mountains. As a result, corporations and politicians are slowly depriving the people of this land of their source of life and are brutally trampling upon sacred ground.
What people with a conscience need to do now is listen to the voices of those who preceded us so that the region can be protected for those who will come after us. It is our task to save whatever is left of our land by paying heed to the intelligence of nature.
SC hears the case
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard a petition against illegal excavation of precious stones from Karoonjhar hills of Nagarparkar. A massive excavation of Karoonjhar Hills has been underway to extract precious stones from the hills, petitioner pleaded in the court. “Who is excavating Karoonjhar hills,” the chief justice asked the petitioner. “The Mines and Minerals Department is cutting the hills,” the petitioner said.
“Whole Pakistan visits Karoonjhar hills. They are wiping out this place, cutting precious stones,” the top judge exclaimed. The hearing has been adjourned until tomorrow.
SHC judgment
The Sindh High Court (SHC) in November 2019 stayed excavation of stone in Karoonjhar hills of Nagarparkar while issuing notices to the federal secretary of natural resources, secretary of forest and wildlife, Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), secretary of mines and minerals and different marble companies as respondents.
We must demand that Karoonjhar be declared a World Heritage Site so that its culture, eco-system and way of life can be preserved for its residents today and for future generations to come. It is imperative that the government and citizens of this country take immediate steps to ensure that this valuable jewel is not desecrated in the name of progress and development.
