Supreme Court Extends Stay on Mining in Aravalli Hills Amid Environmental Concerns

The Supreme Court has decided to extend its interim ban on mining activities in the Aravalli Hills, emphasizing the need for expert opinions on the environmental implications of mining in the region. This decision comes amid widespread criticism of a new definition that could potentially allow unregulated mining. The court has requested the Union government to suggest environmental specialists for a committee to reassess the definition of the Aravalli Hills. As the case progresses, the court aims to ensure that the ecological integrity of this vital mountain range is preserved while addressing the concerns raised by environmentalists and local communities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 26, 2026, 20:32 IST

Supreme Court's Decision on Aravalli Mining

On Thursday, the Supreme Court decided to prolong the interim ban it had previously placed on mining operations in the Aravalli region, as reported by a legal news outlet.

The court indicated that it would consult with specialists to determine if mining activities could be allowed in the area and, if so, to what extent. It emphasized that the current situation should remain unchanged until initial concerns are resolved following the establishment of an expert committee.

The bench requested the Union government to propose names of environmental specialists to be included in a committee tasked with reassessing the definition of the Aravalli Hills, according to another legal news source.

This case was brought to the court's attention by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, who expressed worries that a recent alteration in the definition of the Aravalli Hills might pave the way for unregulated mining and potential environmental harm.

The Aravalli mountain range, spanning approximately 700 kilometers, extends from southwestern Gujarat through Rajasthan to Delhi and Haryana, with its highest peak being Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, which stands at 1,722 meters.

According to the new definition accepted by the court in November, an Aravalli hill is classified as any landform that rises at least 100 meters above the surrounding landscape. An Aravalli range consists of two or more such hills located within 500 meters of each other, including the land in between.

While the court agreed to recommendations that prohibit mining in core or inviolate areas, it refrained from imposing a total ban, suggesting that such a measure could lead to illegal mining and criminal activities.

This new definition has faced significant backlash and criticism.

Environmental advocates have cautioned that defining the Aravallis solely based on height could expose many lower, ecologically significant hills to mining and construction threats. Experts have pointed out that these smaller hills play a vital role in preventing desertification, replenishing groundwater, and supporting local communities.

In response to the outcry regarding the redefinition of the mountain range, the Union Environment Ministry instructed state governments on December 24 not to issue new mining leases in the Aravalli Hills.

Shortly thereafter, the Supreme Court took notice of the situation and suspended its own November ruling that had accepted the new definition of the Aravalli Hills. The court also mandated the formation of a new committee to survey and study the hills.

The case is scheduled for further hearings at a later date to discuss the establishment of the expert committee.