In a major boost to environmental conservation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced a complete ban on the grant of new mining leases across the entire Aravalli Range, stretching from Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR). The decision aims to protect one of the world’s oldest mountain systems from further ecological degradation caused by unregulated and illegal mining.
The ban ensures a uniform conservation approach across all states covered by the Aravallis, closing regulatory gaps that previously allowed environmental damage to continue. In addition, the Centre has ordered an expansion of protected zones within the range. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been tasked with identifying ecologically and geologically sensitive areas where mining should be prohibited, based on scientific and landscape-level assessments.
ICFRE will also prepare a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the region. This plan will assess cumulative environmental impacts, evaluate ecological carrying capacity, identify conservation-critical zones, and propose measures for restoration of degraded areas.
While existing mining operations may continue, they will be subject to stricter environmental monitoring, tighter operational controls, and stronger enforcement in line with Supreme Court directions.
Protecting the Aravallis is crucial as the range acts as a natural barrier against desertification, supports biodiversity, aids groundwater recharge, and provides vital climatic services. The government’s move marks a significant step toward long-term ecological preservation and sustainable environmental governance.
