In a significant move to protect the Aravalli Range, the Union environment ministry has decided to expand mining-free zones and directed a central institution to identify additional areas where mining should be prohibited. This decision comes amid protests over the Supreme Court's acceptance of a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills. The ministry's direction aims to further enlarge the coverage of areas protected and prohibited from mining in the entire Aravalis, considering the local topography, ecology, and biodiversity.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has directed states to impose a complete ban on granting any new mining leases across the entire Aravalli landscape, stretching from Gujarat to the National Capital Region. The prohibition applies uniformly across the Aravalli range and is intended to preserve its integrity as a continuous geological ridge while curbing all unregulated mining activities.
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been tasked with identifying additional areas or zones across the Aravallis where mining should be prohibited, beyond those already barred by the Centre, based on ecological, geological, and landscape-level considerations. ICFRE will prepare a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region. The plan will assess cumulative environmental impacts and ecological carrying capacity, identify ecologically sensitive and conservation-critical areas, and lay down measures for restoration and rehabilitation. It will be placed in the public domain for wide stakeholder consultation.
For mines already in operation, the Centre has directed state governments to ensure strict compliance with environmental safeguards and adherence to the orders of the Supreme Court of India. Existing mining activities are to be regulated stringently, with additional restrictions imposed to ensure environmental protection and compliance with sustainable mining practices.
The government has stated its commitment to the long-term protection of the Aravalli ecosystem, noting its critical role in preventing desertification, conserving biodiversity, recharging groundwater aquifers, and providing essential environmental services across the region. The ministry's direction is a reiteration of the apex court's order from November 20, issued to bring more clarity on the issue in the wake of public protests. Currently, 0.2% of the total 1.4 lakh sq km area of Aravali is eligible for mining. The new direction could extend the prohibited areas even within this 0.2% area.
