On 24-12-2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced Directions to protect the entire Aravalli range and curb illegal mining.
Key Highlights of Aravalli Range Directions:
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The Centre has directed State Governments to impose a complete ban on granting any new mining leases across the Aravalli terrain, which stretches from Delhi to Gujarat.
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This move aims to protect the continuity of the Aravalli mountain range and prevent unregulated mining activities that threaten its ecological balance.
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The Centre will further expand mining-protected and restricted areas in the entire Aravalli region, considering local topography (soil texture, rivers, valleys, elevations), ecology, and biodiversity.
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The Ministry has instructed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (‘ICFRE’) to identify additional ecologically sensitive zones and develop a science-based plan for sustainable mining and conservation.
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The plan will assess cumulative environmental impact, ecological carrying capacity, and prescribe restoration and rehabilitation measures.
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The management plan will be placed in the public domain for wider stakeholder consultations to ensure transparency and inclusivity.
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States have been directed to ensure strict compliance with environmental safeguards for ongoing mining operations as per Supreme Court orders, with additional restrictions to protect the environment.
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The Union Government reaffirmed its commitment to conserving the Aravalli ecosystem, which plays a vital role in preventing desertification, conserving biodiversity, recharging water bodies, and providing essential environmental services for the region.