Aravalli Hills News: In a major conservation move, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has directed all states to stop granting new mining leases across the entire Aravalli Range, stretching from Delhi to Gujarat. The decision aims to curb illegal mining and protect the Aravallis.
The ban will apply uniformly across the Aravalli landscape to preserve the integrity of the range and prevent unregulated mining activities, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said.
Focus On Protecting A Continuous Geological Ridge
According to the Ministry, the directions are intended to safeguard the Aravallis as a single geological ridge extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region. The range plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in the region, including groundwater recharge and biodiversity conservation.
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Aravalli Hills News: More Areas To Be Declared Mining-Free
The Centre has also asked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education to identify additional zones across the Aravallis where mining should be prohibited. These areas will be identified beyond those already restricted, based on ecological, geological and landscape-level factors.
In a major step towards conservation and protection of the entire Aravalli Range stretching from Delhi to Gujarat from illegal mining, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued directions to the States for a complete Ban on the Grant of any… pic.twitter.com/e6r7itZZEi
— ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2025
This exercise will be carried out as part of a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region. The plan will assess cumulative environmental impacts, ecological carrying capacity and identify conservation-critical zones. It will also include steps for restoration and rehabilitation and will be placed in the public domain for stakeholder consultation.
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Aravalli Hills News: Strict Monitoring Of Existing Mines
For mines that are already operational, the Centre has instructed state governments to ensure strict compliance with environmental safeguards and Supreme Court directions. Ongoing mining activities will be closely regulated, with additional restrictions imposed to ensure sustainable practices and environmental protection.
Centre Reaffirms Commitment To Aravalli Protection
The government said it remains committed to the long-term protection of the Aravalli ecosystem, recognising its role in preventing desertification, conserving biodiversity, recharging aquifers and supporting essential environmental services across the region.