Aravallis Get Stronger Protection as Centre Expands No-Mining Zones

To strengthen environmental conservation the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced a complete ban on the grant of new mining leases across the entire Aravalli Range. The decision applies uniformly from Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR) and marks a major step towards protecting one of the world’s oldest mountain systems. The Centre has also ordered the expansion of protected zones within the Aravallis reinforcing its long-term commitment to ecological preservation.

Complete Ban on New Mining Leases

• According to the official directive, no new mining leases will be granted anywhere across the Aravalli landscape.
• The ban is aimed at safeguarding the geological integrity of the Aravalli Range and curbing illegal and unregulated mining, which has severely degraded the region over the years.
• By extending the prohibition across all states covered by the Aravallis.
• The Centre has ensured a uniform conservation approach, preventing regulatory gaps between states.

Expansion of Protected Zones

The ministry has tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) with identifying additional areas where mining should be prohibited, beyond zones already restricted by the Centre.

The identification process will be guided by,

• Ecological sensitivity
• Geological significance
• Landscape level environmental considerations

This step is expected to bring more vulnerable stretches of the Aravallis under formal protection.

Science Based Management Plan

ICFRE has also been directed to prepare a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the entire Aravalli region. The plan will be science-based and holistic in nature.

Key components of the plan include,

• Assessment of cumulative environmental impacts
• Evaluation of ecological carrying capacity
• Identification of conservation-critical and ecologically sensitive zones
• Measures for restoration and rehabilitation of degraded areas

Strict Oversight of Existing Mining Operations

While new mining leases have been banned, mining activities that are already operational will continue under enhanced regulatory scrutiny. State governments have been directed to ensure strict compliance with environmental safeguards and adherence to the orders of the Supreme Court of India.

Existing mines will face,

• Tighter environmental monitoring
• Additional operational restrictions
• Stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure sustainable practices

Why Protecting the Aravallis Matters

The Aravalli Range plays a crucial ecological role in northern and western India. The government highlighted that protecting the Aravallis is essential because the range,

• Acts as a barrier against desertification
• Helps conserve biodiversity
• Supports groundwater recharge across multiple states
• Provides vital environmental and climatic services

Unchecked mining in the region has previously contributed to air pollution, groundwater depletion, and land degradation, especially in areas around Delhi NCR.

Key Takeaways

• Centre has banned all new mining leases across the Aravalli Range.
• The decision applies uniformly from Gujarat to NCR.
• ICFRE will identify additional protected areas in the Aravallis.
• A science-based management plan will be prepared and made public.
• Existing mines will operate under strict environmental oversight.
• Aravallis are vital for preventing desertification and recharging groundwater.

Question

Q. The ban on new mining leases in the Aravalli Range applies to which regions?

A. Only Rajasthan
B. Rajasthan and Haryana only
C. From Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR)
D. Only Delhi NCR