Centre Bans New Mining Leases in Aravalli Hills, Moves to Expand Protected Zones
- MGMMTeam
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Union Government has announced a complete prohibition on granting any new mining leases across the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Hills and ranges, marking a significant intervention aimed at environmental protection. The decision comes in the wake of public criticism and legal scrutiny following recent regulatory changes related to the definition and classification of the Aravalli landscape.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) clarified that the ban applies across the entire Aravalli system, which stretches from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana to the National Capital Region. The move is intended to prevent ecological damage while a comprehensive scientific framework governing sustainable mining is put in place.
Expansion of Protected Zones Under Scientific Review
Alongside the mining ban, the Centre has directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas within the Aravalli landscape that warrant permanent protection from mining activities. These zones will be determined based on geological continuity, ecological sensitivity, groundwater recharge potential, and landscape integrity rather than administrative boundaries alone.
The government has emphasized that the protected area within the Aravallis will be expanded beyond existing restricted zones, signalling a broader conservation approach that acknowledges the interconnected nature of the ancient mountain system.
Supreme Court’s Role and the Definition Debate
The policy announcement follows a Supreme Court order in the long-running T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad case, where the court accepted a uniform scientific definition of the Aravalli hills proposed by a government-appointed expert committee. The definition classifies landforms rising 100 metres or more above the surrounding terrain as part of the Aravalli range.
While the court did not impose an outright ban on mining, it clearly stated that no new mining leases should be granted until a detailed Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is finalised by the MoEF&CC and ICFRE. This judicial direction has become the cornerstone of the Centre’s current stance.
However, the revised definition has also sparked controversy. Environmental groups argue that height-based criteria could exclude lower hillocks and ridges that play a crucial role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity support, and dust-storm prevention. These concerns triggered protests and a broader public debate on whether the new framework sufficiently safeguards the Aravallis.
Why the Aravallis Matter
The Aravalli range is among the oldest mountain systems in the world and performs vital ecological functions for north-western India. It acts as a natural barrier against the expansion of the Thar Desert, helps regulate local climate, and supports aquifers that supply water to millions across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
Unchecked mining in the past has led to deforestation, falling groundwater levels, habitat loss, and increased desertification in parts of the region. The current policy intervention seeks to arrest further damage and reinforce the Aravallis’ role as a critical ecological shield.
Government Clarifications and Enforcement Measures
In response to allegations that the new definition weakens protection, the government has maintained that the mining ban ensures no immediate exploitation of vulnerable areas. Officials have stated that existing mining operations will continue only under strict compliance with environmental laws and Supreme Court guidelines, while illegal mining remains a key enforcement priority.
The Centre has also reiterated that any future mining permissions, if granted at all, will be subject to cumulative impact assessments and sustainability benchmarks outlined in the forthcoming management plan.
Political and Public Reactions
Opposition parties and environmental activists have questioned the long-term implications of the revised classification, arguing that temporary bans may not substitute for permanent legal safeguards. At the same time, the government has accused critics of misinformation, asserting that the policy framework strengthens protection rather than diluting it.
The issue has emerged as a flashpoint in the larger debate over balancing development needs with environmental preservation, particularly in regions facing water stress and climate vulnerability.
The MGMM Outlook
The Centre’s decision to prohibit new mining leases across the entire Aravalli hill system marks an important step toward safeguarding one of India’s most fragile and historically significant ecological regions. By extending the ban beyond administrative boundaries and placing emphasis on scientific assessment, the policy recognises the Aravallis as a continuous and interconnected natural landscape rather than fragmented parcels of land. The directive to expand protected zones based on geological continuity, groundwater recharge capacity, and ecological sensitivity reflects an acknowledgment of the long-term environmental costs caused by unregulated extraction and the urgent need for a more holistic conservation framework.
At the same time, the ongoing debate around the scientific definition of the Aravalli range highlights the complexity of balancing legal clarity with ecological realities. While the Supreme Court-backed framework provides a uniform basis for regulation, public concerns about the exclusion of smaller hillocks and ridges underline the importance of erring on the side of environmental caution. With groundwater depletion, desertification, and climate stress already affecting north-western India, strict enforcement of the mining ban, transparent scientific review, and a robust sustainable mining management plan will be crucial to ensuring that the Aravallis continue to function as a natural shield for future generations.
(Sources: NDTV, Times of India, Business Standard)
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