Centre imposes complete ban on new mining leases in Aravalli

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, December 25, 2025: In a significant step towards environmental conservation, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has imposed a complete ban on the grant of new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range, stretching from Delhi to Gujarat. The move aims to curb illegal and unregulated mining activities and protect one of the world’s oldest and most fragile mountain ecosystems.

The Aravalli range plays a critical ecological role for north-western India. It acts as a natural barrier against desertification, supports rich biodiversity, recharges groundwater aquifers, and provides vital ecosystem services to millions of people across the National Capital Region, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. Over the years, unchecked mining has severely degraded large sections of the range, prompting repeated interventions by courts and environmental authorities.

Uniform Ban Across the Landscape

According to the directions issued by the MoEF&CC, the prohibition on new mining leases applies uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape, irrespective of state boundaries. The objective is to preserve the integrity of the Aravallis as a continuous geological ridge and prevent fragmentation caused by mining and related activities.

The Centre has made it clear that the focus is not limited to isolated forest patches but extends to the entire Aravalli system, recognising its importance at a landscape level rather than as disconnected zones.

Expanded Role for ICFRE

To further strengthen protection, the Ministry has directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas and zones across the Aravallis where mining should be completely prohibited. This identification will go beyond areas already restricted by the Centre and will be based on scientific parameters such as ecology, geology, biodiversity, and landscape sensitivity.

ICFRE has also been tasked with preparing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region. The plan will assess cumulative environmental impacts, evaluate ecological carrying capacity, and identify conservation-critical zones. It will also recommend measures for restoration, rehabilitation, and long-term ecological sustainability.

Importantly, the Management Plan will be placed in the public domain, allowing for wide stakeholder consultation, including inputs from local communities, experts, and environmental groups.

Strict Regulation of Existing Mines

While new mining leases have been banned, the Centre has also issued clear directions regarding mines already in operation. State Governments have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with all environmental safeguards and adhere fully to Supreme Court orders. Existing mining activities will be subject to enhanced monitoring and additional restrictions to ensure minimal environmental damage and alignment with sustainable mining practices.

Long-Term Commitment to Conservation

The Government of India has reiterated its long-term commitment to protecting the Aravalli ecosystem, acknowledging its critical role in environmental stability, climate resilience, and regional sustainability. The latest measures are expected to significantly expand the area protected from mining and mark a decisive shift towards conservation-led development.