In a significant move aimed at protecting the ecologically sensitive Aravalli range, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has directed states to impose a complete ban on the grant of any new mining leases in the Aravallis. This decision follows a period of controversy surrounding the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and comes on the heels of a Supreme Court ruling that imposed a freeze on new mining leases until a comprehensive management plan for sustainable mining is established.
The order, issued on December 24, 2025, applies uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape, stretching from Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR). The government's intent is to preserve the integrity of this ancient geological range and curb unregulated mining activities that have long threatened the region's ecological balance. The Aravallis serve as a crucial geological ridge, and the new directive aims to safeguard its continuity and prevent further environmental degradation.
The MoEF&CC has also tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) with identifying additional areas and zones within the Aravallis where mining should be prohibited. This assessment will consider ecological, geological, and landscape-level factors, expanding the scope of protection beyond the areas already under restriction. Furthermore, the ICFRE is responsible for preparing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Scientific Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region. The Supreme Court has mandated that this plan be finalized before any new mining leases can be considered.
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed concerns, clarifying that the Supreme Court-backed uniform definition of the Aravalli hills is specifically for regulating mining and will not open the area to new construction or alter land-use classifications. He emphasized that the existing mining ban in the NCR remains unchanged and that only a small fraction of the Aravalli landscape is currently under legal mining permits, subject to strict safeguards. Protected forests, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves, water bodies, and groundwater recharge zones will remain completely off-limits.
While the ban on new mining leases is a welcome step for conservationists, some remain cautious. Concerns persist that the proposed scientific mining plan could potentially become a loophole for reopening extraction in the future, especially if economic considerations outweigh ecological safeguards. Activists also highlight the limited public consultation in defining the Aravallis, urging for greater involvement of local communities, independent ecologists, and civil society in future decisions.
The government has stated its commitment to the long-term conservation of the Aravalli ecosystem, referencing initiatives such as the Aravalli Green Wall Project, CAMPA-funded afforestation, and restoration efforts under the Green India Mission. These initiatives were also acknowledged by the Supreme Court. The effectiveness of these measures, coupled with stringent enforcement of the mining ban and the development of a robust and ecologically sound management plan, will be crucial in ensuring the Aravallis' protection for generations to come.
