Cases Pile Up As Aravalli Mining Curbs Fail To Halt Violations In Rajasthan

Despite regulations and restrictions, illegal mining in Rajasthan's Aravalli hills continues, raising concerns about environmental degradation and the effectiveness of existing protective measures. The Aravalli range, the oldest mountain range in India, stretches approximately 692 kilometers, traversing Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana before reaching Delhi. Rajasthan holds a significant portion of the range, nearly two-thirds of it, making the state's conservation efforts critical.

A recent Supreme Court decision, accepting a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills as landforms with an elevation of 100 meters or more, has sparked widespread protests and debate. Critics argue that this definition leaves a significant portion of the range vulnerable to mining, as nearly 90% of the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan fall below this height threshold. Environmental activists and concerned citizens have voiced strong opposition, warning of potential ecological and economic consequences.

The Supreme Court's intervention in the matter highlights the severity of the issue. In 2018, the court expressed shock over the disappearance of 31 hills in the Aravalli area of Rajasthan and mandated the state government to halt illegal mining in the affected area. The court recognized the connection between the destruction of the hills and the rising pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), emphasizing the need to protect the Aravallis to safeguard public health.

Despite the court's orders and the existing mining ban in the NCR, illegal mining persists. A 2018 report by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), appointed by the Supreme Court, revealed that approximately 25% of the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan had already been destroyed. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement and more effective conservation strategies.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has attempted to address concerns, asserting that the new definition of the Aravalli hills will not lead to increased mining activities. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that no new mining leases would be issued in the Aravallis until a scientific management plan is prepared and approved. He also clarified that the existing mining ban in the NCR remains unchanged.

However, skepticism remains among environmental groups and political leaders. Some argue that the new definition provides an opportunity for mining mafias to exploit the unprotected areas of the Aravalli range. Others point to discrepancies in the government's statements regarding the extent of legal mining permits in the region, further fueling public distrust.

The Aravalli range plays a crucial role in recharging groundwater and influencing regional rainfall patterns. Its destruction could have severe consequences for Rajasthan, a state already facing water scarcity and desertification. Environmentalists warn that the degradation of the Aravallis could disrupt monsoon patterns, potentially shifting moisture westwards and adversely affecting rainfall in the region.

Several measures have been proposed to protect the Aravalli range, including declaring it an Ecologically Critical Area and halting the use of raw stone mined from the hills. The Union Government launched the Aravalli Green Wall project in 2025, aiming to expand green cover in a five-kilometer buffer around the Aravalli range, covering 29 districts across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. The project seeks to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and strengthen ecological resilience against desertification.

Moving forward, a comprehensive and integrated approach is needed to address the issue of illegal mining in the Aravalli hills. This includes stricter enforcement of existing regulations, increased monitoring of mining activities, and the development of a sustainable management plan that balances economic development with environmental protection. It is essential for the government, environmental organizations, and local communities to work together to safeguard the Aravalli range and ensure its ecological integrity for future generations.