Govt discovers Aravallis need protection, plans to regulate mining… eventually

Rajasthan: Despite years of rampant mining and environmental degradation in the Aravalli hills, the government now claims it is “fully committed” to their long-term protection, recognising the ecosystem’s critical role in conserving biodiversity. Officials emphasise that ongoing and future activities will be strictly regulated, assuring the public that the fragile hills are finally receiving the attention they deserve.

Environmentalists, however, remain sceptical, pointing out that previous promises have repeatedly failed to curb illegal mining, deforestation, and encroachment. With the Supreme Court backing the government’s green initiatives, authorities are keen to present themselves as guardians of the Aravallis—but for many, this renewed commitment comes a little too late.

The Aravalli hills, spanning Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, are among the world’s oldest geological formations and play a vital role in preventing desertification, recharging groundwater, and supporting biodiversity.

Following the Supreme Court’s updated definition—considering hills over 100 metres and clusters within 500 metres as part of the range—the government has clarified that mining activities will be strictly regulated to prevent ecological harm.

Only about 2% of the Aravalli range may be subject to controlled mining, under a detailed Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). The plan will identify permissible and prohibited zones, assess ecological carrying capacity, and mandate post-mining restoration. Mining in core areas such as protected forests, eco-sensitive zones, tiger reserves, wetlands, and CAMPA plantation sites will remain prohibited.

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the Supreme Court’s order supports the government’s efforts to balance ecological protection with responsible resource use, endorsing initiatives like the Green Aravalli mission. Existing mining operations must comply with sustainable norms, while protests by environmental groups continue over potential ecological risks.

The Supreme Court’s ruling redefines the Aravalli hills for uniform regulation across states, aiming to strengthen protections rather than dilute them. Environmentalists have raised concerns that defining hills solely by height could leave lower but ecologically critical hills unprotected, potentially inviting unregulated mining or construction.

Government officials emphasise that the revised definition applies only for regulating mining, while the entire hill system, including slopes and intervening areas, remains protected. Only mining of certain critical, strategic, or atomic minerals may be permitted in carefully approved areas, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

The MPSM by ICFRE will include detailed post-mining restoration measures and specify permissible zones for controlled activity. The government has reiterated that mining in protected and ecologically sensitive zones is strictly prohibited.

The announcement underscores the government’s approach to sustainable development, balancing economic use of resources with the preservation of critical natural ecosystems. Protests by environmentalists, residents, and opposition leaders are ongoing, reflecting heightened public awareness of the Aravallis’ ecological importance.