In order to protect one of India’s oldest mountain ranges, the Central government has ordered a complete ban on granting new mining leases in the Aravalli hills. The decision applies to the entire Aravalli range, which runs through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and parts of the Delhi-NCR region.
The move comes amid growing concerns that unchecked mining has caused serious damage to the fragile ecology of the Aravallis. These hills play a crucial role in preventing desertification, recharging groundwater and acting as a natural barrier against dust storms from the Thar Desert. Environmental experts have long warned that continued mining could permanently harm this natural shield.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has directed all state governments in the Aravalli region to strictly enforce the ban. No new mining leases will be allowed, irrespective of state boundaries. The ministry has also made it clear that protecting the Aravallis must be seen as a shared responsibility across states, not a local or administrative issue.
To strengthen conservation efforts, the Centre has asked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify more areas within the Aravalli range where mining should be completely prohibited. These new protected zones will be chosen based on ecological importance, geological features and the overall health of the landscape.
ICFRE has also been tasked with preparing a detailed, science-based plan for managing mining sustainably in areas where it already exists. This plan will study how much activity the ecosystem can safely handle, assess long-term environmental impact and suggest ways to restore damaged land. Importantly, the draft plan will be made public to invite feedback from citizens, experts and other stakeholders.
The Centre has further asked state governments to closely monitor existing mines and ensure they strictly follow environmental rules and court orders. Additional restrictions may be imposed if violations are found.
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