In a decisive move to protect the fragile Aravalli ecosystem, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has instructed all concerned states to impose a complete ban on granting new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range, which stretches from Delhi to Gujarat.
According to an official statement, the ban will be enforced uniformly across the Aravalli landscape to curb illegal and unregulated mining activities and to preserve the mountain range as a continuous geological formation extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR).
Aim to Protect Aravallis as a Continuous Geological Ridge
The ministry said the directive is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the Aravalli hills, one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, which plays a vital role in preventing desertification, recharging groundwater, conserving biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance in northern and western India.
To strengthen conservation efforts, the Centre has also asked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas across the Aravalli region where mining should be prohibited. These areas will be identified based on ecological sensitivity, geological importance, and landscape-level factors, beyond zones already restricted by the Centre.
Science-Based Plan for Sustainable Mining
ICFRE has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region. The plan will assess cumulative environmental impacts, evaluate ecological carrying capacity, identify conservation-critical zones, and recommend restoration and rehabilitation measures. The draft plan will be placed in the public domain for wider stakeholder consultation.
Officials said this exercise is expected to expand the coverage of areas protected from mining, taking into account local biodiversity, terrain, and ecological vulnerability.
Supreme Court-Approved Definition of Aravalli Hills
The move follows the Supreme Court’s acceptance, on November 20, of recommendations made by a Union Environment Ministry panel defining the Aravalli Hills. Under the court-approved definition, any landform rising 100 metres or more above the local relief, along with its slopes and adjacent areas, will be considered part of the Aravalli Hills. The definition aims to prevent ambiguity and strengthen restrictions on mining in the region.
Strict Monitoring of Existing Mines
While new mining leases have been prohibited, the Centre has directed state governments to ensure strict compliance with environmental norms at mines that are already operational. Ongoing mining activities will be closely regulated in line with the Supreme Court’s directions, with additional safeguards to ensure adherence to sustainable mining practices.
Reaffirming its commitment, the government said protecting the Aravalli range is crucial for long-term environmental security, given its role in climate regulation, water conservation, and ecological resilience.
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