In a landmark decision aimed at preserving one of India's most critical ecological zones, the central government has imposed a comprehensive ban on the grant of new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range and its hills. This significant policy shift underscores a firm commitment to shield the fragile ecosystem from further degradation caused by mining activities.
A Definitive Step for Environmental Conservation
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) issued a decisive office memorandum on February 20, 2024, which explicitly prohibits state governments from granting fresh mining leases or renewing existing ones in the Aravalli range. This directive is based on the recommendations of a high-level committee tasked with defining the Aravalli range and hills. The committee's report, which was accepted by the Supreme Court of India, provides a clear and scientific basis for this protective measure.
The ban is comprehensive and covers the entire Aravalli range spanning several states, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat. The ministry's order leaves no room for ambiguity, stating that state governments should not consider any proposals for new mining leases. This move effectively halts any future expansion of mining operations in this sensitive region.
Supreme Court's Role and the High-Level Committee
The genesis of this ban lies in the proactive intervention of the Supreme Court. The apex court had formed a Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to examine the rampant illegal mining threatening the Aravallis. Following the CEC's alarming findings, the Supreme Court, in August 2022, directed the MoEF&CC to constitute a high-level committee. This committee's mandate was crucial: to scientifically define what constitutes the 'Aravalli range' to ensure uniform application of protection laws across states.
The committee submitted its detailed report, which was subsequently accepted by the Supreme Court. The government's latest order is a direct implementation of this judicial process. By accepting the committee's definition, the government has closed potential loopholes that mining interests might have exploited due to varying interpretations of the Aravalli's geographical extent.
Implications and the Path Forward
The immediate consequence of this order is a blanket freeze on new mining permissions. For existing leases, the path is also restrictive. The memorandum clarifies that renewals of mining leases can only be considered if the state government receives explicit prior approval from the central government. This adds a stringent layer of federal oversight to any continuing operations.
This policy is being hailed by environmentalists as a long-overdue and essential step. The Aravalli range acts as a natural barrier against the encroachment of the Thar Desert into the fertile plains of north-western India. It is crucial for groundwater recharge, hosts diverse wildlife, and helps in mitigating air pollution, particularly for the National Capital Region (NCR). Unchecked mining has been linked to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of water resources.
The government's action signals a strong prioritization of ecological security over short-term mineral extraction gains. It aligns with broader national goals related to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. The focus now will shift to the rigorous enforcement of this ban by state authorities and the monitoring of compliance for any existing mining activities that are up for renewal.
While the ban addresses future threats, the challenge of restoring areas already scarred by past mining remains. This decision, however, provides a firm foundation for all stakeholders—central and state governments, courts, and civil society—to collaborate on long-term conservation and rejuvenation plans for the majestic and vital Aravalli range.
