The Supreme Court has initiated action on defining the Aravalli hills and ranges. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih, will address the matter on December 29. This move comes amidst concerns regarding the preservation of the environmentally sensitive Aravalli range.
In a significant step to combat illegal mining and enhance ecological preservation, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has instructed state governments to enforce a complete ban on new mining leases in the Aravallis. This ban will be uniformly enforced across the Aravalli landscape, spanning from Delhi to Gujarat. The primary goal is to maintain the range’s geological integrity and halt unregulated mining activities.
To further strengthen conservation efforts, the MoEF&CC has tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) with identifying additional areas within the Aravalli range where mining activities should be prohibited. This identification process will consider ecological, geological, and landscape-level factors.
The MoEF&CC has also mandated the preparation of a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region by the ICFRE. This plan, based on scientific principles, will be made public for broad stakeholder consultation. It will evaluate environmental impacts, ecological capacity, critical conservation areas, and restoration measures.
The Centre has directed state governments to ensure strict compliance with environmental safeguards for operational mines, in line with the Supreme Court’s directives. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has accused the Congress of spreading misinformation and affirmed the BJP government’s commitment to safeguarding the Aravalli range’s ecological, cultural, and religious significance.
Protests have erupted in various Rajasthan districts against mining activities in the Aravalli range, with demands to revoke the apex court order. A Supreme Court ruling from November 20, 2025, specifies that landforms above 100 meters will be classified as Aravalli hills, raising concerns as this definition excludes a significant portion of the range from protection.
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, in a letter titled “Ek Patti Alwar Ke Naam,” has reassured the safety of the Aravalli range. He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision aims to balance environmental protection, prevention of illegal mining, and developmental needs. Yadav highlighted Alwar’s significance within the Aravalli range, home to vital natural and heritage sites like the Sariska Tiger Reserve and Siliserh Lake. The government’s commitment to preserving the ecological balance of the Aravalli region while promoting lawful and sustainable development was reiterated.
