Govt Imposes Complete Ban On New Mining Leases In Aravalli Hills
States told to halt fresh mining across Aravalli landscape to protect fragile ecosystem after supreme court ruling
The Centre on Wednesday directed states to impose a complete ban on granting any new mining leases in the Aravalli hills, amid rising environmental concerns over degradation of one of India’s oldest mountain ranges.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said the prohibition will apply uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape and is aimed at preserving the continuity and ecological integrity of the range. The Aravallis extend from Gujarat through Rajasthan to the National Capital Region.
The ministry said the directions are intended to stop all unregulated mining activities and safeguard the Aravallis as a continuous geological ridge. While no fresh leases will be allowed, states have been instructed to ensure that existing mines operate under strict environmental safeguards, in line with directions of the Supreme Court of India.
“For mines already in operation, state governments must ensure stringent compliance with environmental norms and additional restrictions to protect the ecosystem and promote sustainable mining practices,” the ministry said, adding that long-term conservation of the Aravalli range remains a priority.
The move follows a Supreme Court ruling in November 2025 that approved a uniform legal definition of the Aravalli Hills and the Aravalli Range. Under the definition, any landform rising at least 100 metres above surrounding terrain qualifies as an Aravalli hill, while the range is defined as two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other. The definition was based on recommendations of a committee led by the environment ministry.
Environmental groups had raised concerns that the definition could exclude large stretches of low-lying hills and ridges from regulatory protection.
To address these concerns, the ministry said it has directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education to identify additional zones across the Aravalli region where mining should be prohibited, reinforcing protection for vulnerable areas.
The Centre said the latest directions are part of a broader effort to strengthen environmental governance and prevent further ecological damage to the Aravalli ecosystem.
