India Halts New Mining Leases in Aravalli Range for Long-Term Protection

The Indian government has banned new mining leases across the Aravalli mountain range. The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 24. The decision aims to protect the fragile ecosystem.This move signals a major shift in environmental policy. According to official statements, the government is fully committed to long-term protection. The Aravallis act as a crucial natural barrier against desertification.

Government Directs Expansion of Protected Zones

The order applies to the entire Aravalli landscape. This stretches from Gujarat to the National Capital Region. The ban is immediate and comprehensive.The Ministry of Environment has issued specific directives. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education will identify more protected zones. Their work will be based on ecological and geological studies.This science-based approach will determine where mining must be prohibited. A comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining will also be created. The goal is to assess environmental impact and guide restoration.

Strict Oversight for Existing Mining Operations

The new rules do not shut down all current activity. Ongoing mining operations can continue for now. However, they will face much stricter regulation.State governments must ensure all environmental safeguards are followed. Operations must also adhere to Supreme Court directives. Sustainable mining practices are now mandatory.Reports from Hindustan Times indicate mining currently covers about 278 square kilometres. This is a small fraction of the total Aravalli region. The new plan seeks to prevent any further expansion.The broader impact is significant for regional ecology. Protecting the range helps conserve biodiversity and recharge aquifers. It also safeguards major rivers like the Chambal and Sabarmati.

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The Aravalli mining ban represents a firm stance on conservation. It balances ecological needs with regulated industrial activity. This policy will shape the region’s environmental future for decades.

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What areas does the Aravalli mining ban cover?

The ban covers the entire Aravalli mountain range. This includes the landscape from Gujarat to the National Capital Region. No new mining leases will be granted anywhere in this zone.

Does this mean all mining in the Aravallis has stopped?

No, existing mining operations can continue. However, they must now follow stricter environmental rules. State governments are responsible for enforcing these safeguards.

Who will decide which additional areas become protected?

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education will identify new zones. They will use ecological and geological data for their assessment. Their recommendations will lead to more protected land.

Why is the Aravalli range so important to protect?

The range is a vital natural barrier against desert expansion. It conserves biodiversity and recharges groundwater. It also supports major river systems and local livelihoods.

What is the Management Plan for Sustainable Mining?

It is a future science-based plan for the entire region. The plan will assess environmental impact and set restoration measures. It aims to guide any future regulated mining activity.

Trusted Sources

Information for this report was gathered from official statements by the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Additional context was provided by reporting from Hindustan Times.