Center orders complete ban on new mining leases in Aravalli

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The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has directed states to impose a complete ban on the grant of new mining leases in the entire Aravalli range stretching from Delhi to Gujarat with an aim to curb illegal and unregulated mining.

are in line with the guidelines and Repeat the Supreme Court orderUnder which no new mining license will be given in the Aravalli region until a comprehensive, science-based management plan (MPSM) is prepared for sustainable mining.

This prohibition applies uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape and is aimed at preserving the geological and ecological integrity of a continuous mountain range extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region. The ministry said the directions are to prevent unregulated mining and protect environmentally sensitive areas.

MoEF&CC has tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify other areas in the Aravalis where mining should be banned, beyond the areas already prohibited by the Centre. This identification will be based on ecological, geological and landscape-level considerations.

ICFRE has also been directed to prepare MPSM for the entire Aravalli region. The plan will assess cumulative environmental impacts and ecological carrying capacity, identify conservation-critical areas and outline restoration and rehabilitation measures.

The ministry said the plan will be placed in the public domain for consultation with stakeholders.

For mines already operating, states have been directed to ensure strict compliance with environmental safeguards and Supreme Court orders, along with strict regulation to enforce sustainable mining practices.

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The Center reiterated its commitment to the long-term protection of the Aravalli ecosystem, citing its role in preventing desertification, conserving biodiversity, recharging aquifers and providing vital environmental services to the region.