Complete Ban on New Mining Leases in Aravalli Range Announced

In a significant move to protect the Aravalli range, the Indian government has announced a complete ban on new mining leases. This decision aims to preserve the ecological integrity of the region, which is crucial for biodiversity and environmental services. The Ministry of Environment has tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education with identifying additional no-mining zones. While existing mining operations will face stricter regulations, the ban has sparked controversy, particularly from the Congress party, which fears that recent redefinitions could lead to environmental degradation. The government's commitment to sustainable practices and ecological preservation remains a focal point of this initiative.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 13:20 IST

Government Imposes Mining Lease Ban

New Delhi, Dec 25: On Wednesday, the central government mandated a total prohibition on the issuance of new mining leases throughout the Aravalli range.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has also directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to pinpoint additional areas within the Aravalli region where mining activities should be restricted, extending beyond the zones already designated by the government.

A senior official stated, “This ban is uniformly applicable across the entire Aravalli landscape, aimed at maintaining the ecological integrity of the range.”

The directive seeks to protect the Aravallis, which form a continuous geological ridge stretching from Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR), and to halt all unregulated mining operations.

The ICFRE has been assigned the responsibility of identifying further no-mining zones, taking into account ecological, geological, and landscape-level factors.

This initiative will be part of developing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region. The plan will evaluate cumulative environmental impacts, assess ecological carrying capacity, identify sensitive conservation areas, and propose restoration and rehabilitation measures. It will be made available for public consultation.

While new mining leases are prohibited, existing mining operations will face strict regulations and additional restrictions to ensure adherence to environmental standards and sustainable practices.

The official emphasized the government's commitment to the long-term preservation of the Aravalli ecosystem, acknowledging its vital role in combating desertification, conserving biodiversity, recharging aquifers, and providing essential environmental services.

In November 2025, the Supreme Court approved a standardized legal definition of the Aravalli Hills and Range, based on a committee's recommendations led by the Environment Ministry. According to this definition, an 'Aravalli Hill' is defined as a landform that rises at least 100 meters above its surrounding terrain, while an 'Aravalli Range' consists of two or more such hills located within 500 meters of each other.

However, this decision has faced significant backlash from the Congress party, which claims that the redefinition could lead to the establishment of numerous mines and cause irreversible environmental harm.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed concerns in a post on X, stating that the recent clarifications from the Union Environment and Forest Minister raise serious issues.

He remarked, “The Aravallis are part of our natural heritage and hold immense ecological significance. They require substantial restoration and effective protection. Why is the Modi government intent on redefining them? For whose benefit?”

Ramesh also criticized the disregard for expert opinions, questioning, “Why are the recommendations from a professional body like the Forest Survey of India being overlooked?”