In a significant step to combat illegal mining and enhance environmental protection, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has instructed state governments to enforce a total prohibition on granting new mining leases in the Aravallis, spanning from Delhi to Gujarat. This directive aims to maintain the Aravalli range’s geological integrity and halt unregulated mining activities throughout the region.
To bolster 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 banned, beyond the already restricted zones designated by the Centre. The identification process will consider ecological, geological, and landscape-level factors.
Furthermore, the ICFRE has been assigned the responsibility of developing a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region. This plan, based on scientific principles, will be made available for public feedback and will evaluate environmental impacts, conservation needs, and restoration strategies.
The government has emphasized the need for strict compliance with environmental regulations for existing mines, in line with the Supreme Court’s directives. Ongoing mining operations will face heightened scrutiny to ensure environmental protection and sustainable practices are followed rigorously.
Recognizing the Aravalli ecosystem’s critical functions in preventing desertification, conserving biodiversity, and supporting essential environmental services, the government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the region. This initiative is viewed as a significant policy intervention aimed at preserving the Aravalli range, known for its ecological sensitivity and historical significance.
