Supreme Court Halts Mining Activities in Aravalli Hills Amid Environmental Concerns

Supreme Court's Stance on Mining in Aravalli

New Delhi: On Friday, the Supreme Court announced that it will not issue any orders favoring mining lease holders at this time, citing alarming feedback regarding mining activities in the Aravalli hills.

The court highlighted specific ecological concerns and had previously requested the environment ministry and relevant stakeholders to propose experts for a panel aimed at defining the Aravalli hills and ranges.

Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized, "We will not address this issue in a fragmented manner. No activities will be allowed until we are completely assured of their safety."

This case is being examined under the title "In Re: Definition of Aravalli hills and ranges and ancillary issue."

The Chief Justice remarked on the disturbing feedback received, indicating that significant developments are occurring in the region.

The bench advised that if any mining lease is revoked, the affected parties have the right to contest that decision.

They reiterated, "We will not issue any orders in favor of mining lease holders at this moment. This is a delicate issue."

Previously, on November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court had accepted a standardized definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, prohibiting new mining leases in areas across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat until expert evaluations are completed.

The court endorsed recommendations from a ministry committee regarding the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges to safeguard this ancient mountain system.

The committee proposed that an "Aravalli Hill" be defined as any landform within designated Aravalli districts that rises at least 100 meters above local relief, while an "Aravalli Range" consists of two or more such hills located within 500 meters of each other.

On December 29, the court acknowledged public outcry over the new definition and temporarily suspended its November 20 directives that accepted a uniform definition of the hills and ranges, halting all mining operations.

The court noted the necessity to clarify "critical ambiguities," such as whether the 100-meter elevation and the 500-meter distance between hills would compromise environmental protections.

Earlier, the court indicated that the previous committee's report and ruling seemed to lack clarity on essential issues, highlighting the urgent need for further investigation to avoid regulatory loopholes that could threaten the ecological integrity of the Aravalli region.

Additionally, it mandated that, as per a May 9, 2024 order, no mining permissions shall be granted in the 'Aravalli Hills and Ranges,' as defined in the August 25, 2010, FSI report, without prior approval from the court.

The bench noted significant concern among environmentalists regarding the potential for misinterpretation and improper enforcement of the newly established definitions and the court's directives.