Centre Bans New Mining Leases in Entire Aravalli Range

In a major conservation initiative, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has imposed a complete ban on the grant of new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range, extending from Delhi to Gujarat. The decision seeks to curb illegal and unregulated mining while safeguarding one of the world’s oldest and most ecologically fragile mountain systems.

Ecological Significance of the Aravallis

The Aravalli range plays a vital environmental role in north-western India. It acts as a natural barrier against desertification from the Thar, supports diverse flora and fauna, aids groundwater recharge, and provides essential ecosystem services to populations across the National Capital Region, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. Decades of unregulated mining have led to severe ecological degradation, triggering repeated judicial and administrative interventions.

Uniform Ban Across State Boundaries

According to directions issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the prohibition on new mining leases will apply uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape, irrespective of state jurisdictions. The Centre has emphasised a landscape-level approach, aiming to preserve the Aravallis as a continuous geological and ecological system rather than fragmented forest patches.

Expanded Mandate for Scientific Assessment

To strengthen conservation measures, the Ministry has tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education with identifying additional zones across the Aravallis where mining should be entirely prohibited. This assessment will be based on scientific criteria such as biodiversity value, geological sensitivity and ecological fragility. ICFRE will also prepare a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the entire region, evaluating cumulative environmental impacts and ecological carrying capacity.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world.
• Mining regulation in the Aravallis has been shaped by multiple court interventions.
• ICFRE functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Landscape-level conservation focuses on ecological continuity.

Regulation of Existing Mining and Conservation Outlook

While new mining leases are prohibited, existing mines will continue under strict regulation. State governments have been directed to ensure full compliance with environmental safeguards and orders of the Supreme Court of India. Enhanced monitoring and additional restrictions will apply to minimise environmental damage. The move signals a long-term commitment by the Government of India to conservation-led development, climate resilience and sustainable management of the Aravalli ecosystem.