Centre takes big step to protect Aravalli range, asks states to impose ban on new mining leases

In a major step towards protecting the Aravalli range, the central government on Wednesday, 24 December, announced a complete ban on granting new mining leases in the mountain range, as it declared its commitment to the long-term protection of the Aravalli ecosystem. The Centre also ordered the expansion of protected zones after pushback against the new definition of what constitutes the Aravalli hills.

In a statement, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said the complete ban on granting new mining leases is meant to protect the integrity of the Aravalli range.

“The directions are aimed at safeguarding the Aravallis as a continuous geological ridge extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region, and at stopping all unregulated mining activities,” it said, adding, “Government of India stands fully committed towards long-term protection of the Aravalli ecosystem, recognising its critical role in preventing desertification, conserving biodiversity, recharging aquifers, and environmental services for the region.”

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The decision comes as Congress workers and members of different organisations launched massive protests, demanding protection of the Aravalli range, which is not just a natural barrier, but also a source of major rivers, including the Chambal and the Sabarmati, which support agriculture and livelihoods.

What did the govt order? Key points

As per the central government's order, the ban applies across the entire Aravalli landscape – from Gujarat to the National Capital Region.

The MoEF&CC has also directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to “identify additional areas/zones in the entire Aravallis, where mining should be prohibited, over and above the areas already prohibited for mining by the Centre, based on ecological, geological and landscape-level considerations.”

Apart from identifying zones and areas, the ICFRE will also prepare a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region – for wider stakeholder consultation. It will assess the environmental impact and “ecological carrying capacity, identify ecologically sensitive and conservation-critical areas, and lay down measures for restoration and rehabilitation”.

By doing this, more areas of the Aravallis will be included in the protected zone.

What happens to mining already in operation?

For ongoing mining works, the state governments have been asked to make sure that all environmental safeguards are strictly followed.

The state governments have also been asked to ensure the current mining work is in conformity with the Supreme Court’s order.

“Ongoing mining activities are to be regulated stringently, with additional restrictions, to ensure environmental protection and adherence to sustainable mining practices,” it said.

Mint had reported on December 22, quoting Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav, that no fresh mining licences would be granted without studies to ensure the Aravallis continue to function as a natural heritage and ecological shield. At present, mining activities cover about 277.89 square kilometres of the total 1,43,577 square kilometres of the Aravalli region, Yadav said.