In a major step towards conservation of the Aravalli Range, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on Wednesdsay issued directions to States imposing a complete ban on the grant of any new mining leases across the entire Aravalli landscape, stretching from Gujarat to the National Capital Region.
According to an official release, the prohibition will apply uniformly across the Aravalli range and is aimed at protecting the geological integrity of one of the oldest mountain systems in the world, while curbing illegal and unregulated mining activities.
The ministry has also directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas across the Aravallis where mining should be prohibited, over and above the zones already restricted by the Centre. The identification will be based on ecological, geological and landscape-level considerations.
ICFRE has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the entire Aravalli region. The plan will assess cumulative environmental impacts, ecological carrying capacity, and identify conservation-critical and ecologically sensitive areas. It will also outline measures for restoration and rehabilitation and will be placed in the public domain for stakeholder consultation.
For mining activities that are already operational, 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 mines will be subject to enhanced regulatory oversight and additional restrictions to ensure environmentally responsible and sustainable mining practices.
The government said it remains committed 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.
