Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Centre Imposes Ban on New Mining Leases in Aravallis
The government has decided to stop giving new permits for mining in the Aravalli mountains.
This is to protect the environment and make sure the mountains stay healthy.
The Aravallis are very old and important because they help stop deserts from growing, keep water underground, and protect animals and plants.
The government is also asking experts to find more areas where mining should not be allowed and to make a plan for mining that is safe for nature.
People who are already mining there will have to follow strict rules to make sure they don't harm the environment.
The government wants to make sure the Aravallis are protected for a long time.
However, some people are worried that the new rules might not protect enough of the mountains, and they are protesting to make sure the Aravallis stay safe.
The Centre has imposed a complete ban on new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range, stretching from Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been tasked with identifying additional areas for mining prohibition and preparing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the Aravalli region.
Existing mining operations will be subject to stricter regulations and additional restrictions to ensure environmental protection and adherence to sustainable mining practices.
The Supreme Court's November 20 judgment accepted a uniform scientific definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, mandating no new mining leases until the MPSM is finalized.
The Aravallis play a critical role in preventing desertification, conserving biodiversity, recharging groundwater aquifers, and providing essential environmental services to the region.
- Who
- The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)
- What
- Issued directions for a complete ban on new mining leases in the Aravallis and tasked ICFRE with identifying additional areas for mining prohibition and preparing a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM)
- When
- The directions were issued on December 24, following the Supreme Court's November 20 judgment
- Where
- The Aravalli range, stretching from Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR)
- Why
- To preserve the geological and ecological integrity of the Aravallis, prevent desertification, conserve biodiversity, and ensure sustainable mining practices
Government and Environmentalists
Critics and Opposition
Definition of Aravalli Hills
Government and Environmentalists
The government and environmentalists support the new definition of the Aravalli hills as landforms with an elevation of at least 100 metres above the local terrain, arguing it provides a clear and scientifically grounded basis for conservation efforts.
Critics and Opposition
Critics, including opposition parties and environmental researchers, argue that the new definition excludes 90% of the Aravalli hills from protection, making them vulnerable to mining and other development activities.
Effectiveness of the Ban
Government and Environmentalists
The government asserts that the ban on new mining leases and the preparation of a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) will ensure the conservation and protection of the Aravallis.
Critics and Opposition
Critics view the ban as a superficial measure, arguing that the new definition of the Aravallis undermines the effectiveness of the ban and leaves most of the range unprotected.
- Aravalli Range
- Stretches from Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR)
- Ban on New Mining Leases
- Complete ban on granting new mining leases in the Aravallis
- Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM)
- To be prepared by ICFRE for the entire Aravalli region
- Existing Mines
- To be regulated stringently with additional restrictions
- Aravalli Hills Definition
- Landform with an elevation of at least 100 metres above local terrain
- Aravalli Range Definition
- Cluster of two or more hills within 500 metres of each other
- ICFRE's Role
- To identify additional areas for mining prohibition and prepare MPSM
- Public Consultation
- MPSM to be placed in the public domain for stakeholder consultation
- Critical Minerals
- Includes tin, graphite, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, lithium, and rare earth elements (REEs)
Sources
No mining, no dilution: Central govt throws full shield over Aravallis
No New Mining Leases in Aravallis: Centre's Big Order To States After Row
Centre orders complete ban on new mining leases in Aravallis
Aravallis Saved? Govt Says No Mining Leases, Promises Bigger Protected Area After Backlash Over New Rules
Aravalli mining ban: Centre stops new leases, orders stricter oversight of existing mines
Centre imposes ban on new mining leases in Aravallis; protected zone to be expanded
Centre Bans New Mining Leases in Aravalli Hills
Union Govt imposes complete ban on issue of new mining leases in Aravallis
Bogus attempt at damage control that will not fool anyone: Cong on Centre’s move on Aravallis
No mining in Aravalli hills in Gujarat, will never grant nod in future too: Minister
‘No new mine leases’: Centre asks Haryana, Rajasthan & Gujarat to follow SC order
Before 2025 yes was the 2010 no: Supreme Court had rejected 100-metre definition of Aravallis
Govt’s rollback decision on Aravallis is a good move
The great wall in the North: Why the Aravallis matter
Centre bans new mining leases in Aravallis across states amid conservation push - Telegraph India
Aravallis need the Supreme Court’s shield
Amid pushback, Centre tells states not to grant new mining leases in Aravallis
No new mining in Aravallis: Centre orders blanket ban to curb illegal extraction
Centre imposes full ban on new mining leases in Aravallis
India's top court's 2025 nod to 100-metre Aravalli rule revives an old debate it once rejected
Why is govt pushing through ‘fatally flawed’ redefinition of Aravallis?
No connection between PMs ‘global talk and local walk’ on environment, says Cong
Aravallis controversy: Yadav accuses Congress of ‘plundering’, spreading ‘misinformation’
We need an economic pivot on Aravallis. Stop mining, invest in eco-tourism
Aravalli Hills Under Watch: Key Court Orders That Shaped Their Protection
Aravalli Showdown: Bhupender Yadav Says Congress ‘Rattled’ by Total Mining Ban
Exclusive: Rajasthan Congress govt had said mining ban in Aravalli would harm the economy
Aravalli row: Jairam Ramesh accuses Environment Minister of ‘muzzling’ forest survey
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Jairam Ramesh clash over FSI’s internal report on Aravallis
Aravalli storm—Day after ban on new mining leases, Centre, Congress trade accusations
Explained | The Aravalli Cut-off: Why the new definition has alarmed environmental experts
Aravalli height row: Cong attacks govt over ‘new definition’, Minister says Gehlot ‘plundered’ the hills
