Illegal Mining Poses Major Threat To Aravalli Ecosystem
Centre Clarifies Aravalli Definition Amid Mining Allegations
No Change in Aravalli Definition
The central government dismissed rumors claiming that the definition of the Aravalli range had been changed to allow large-scale mining.
Environment minister Bhupender Yadav clarified that the definition is now standardized across states to prevent misuse.
The supreme court approved the new definition, ensuring that over 90% of the Aravalli area remains protected.
Illegal Mining Poses Real Threat
According to the Centre, legal mining occurs in a very small portion of the range: 0.19% in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat, with no mining permitted in Delhi.
The main concern is illegal and unregulated mining, which threatens the ecological balance.
Committee and Uniform Rules Across States
In May 2024, the Supreme Court formed a committee with representatives from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and delhi to define a uniform Aravalli definition.
Rajasthan’s existing rule from 2006—considering landforms 100 meters or higher as hills with mining restrictions—was adopted by all states.
Additional safeguards include identifying core areas, mapping hills on survey of india maps, and prohibiting mining within 500 meters of adjacent hills.
Supreme court Approves Committee Recommendations
The supreme court accepted the committee’s recommendations.
Mining is completely prohibited in core areas, protected areas, eco-sensitive zones, tiger reserves, wetlands, and surrounding regions.
Limited exemptions will only apply for special minerals of national importance.
No new mining leases will be granted until a sustainable mining management plan is prepared by the indian Council of Forestry Research and Education.
Public Awareness and ‘Save Aravalli’ Campaign
The Aravalli range is now in public discussion due to petitions filed in the supreme court and media coverage.
A ‘Save Aravalli Campaign’ has gained traction on social media, emphasizing the importance of protecting one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges.
The government stressed that mining restrictions apply to all hilly areas and surrounding land, not just areas above 100 meters.
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