In a major step towards safeguarding the Aravalli mountain range, the central government on December 24, 2025, announced a complete ban on granting new mining leases across the region. The move underlines the government’s commitment to the long-term protection of the Aravalli ecosystem.
Key Objectives of the Ban
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) stated that the ban aims to:
- Preserve the Aravallis as a continuous geological ridge from Gujarat to the National Capital Region (NCR)
- Halt all unregulated mining activities
- Protect biodiversity, prevent desertification, and support aquifer recharge and other environmental services
“The Government of India stands fully committed to the long-term protection of the Aravalli ecosystem, recognizing its vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting livelihoods,” the ministry added.
Expansion of Protected Zones
The MoEF&CC has directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to:
- Identify additional areas in the Aravallis where mining should be prohibited
- Prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM), assessing environmental impact and ecological carrying capacity
- Identify ecologically sensitive and conservation-critical areas
- Recommend restoration and rehabilitation measures
This initiative is expected to expand the protected zones of the Aravalli range beyond the areas already prohibited for mining.
Mining Operations Already Underway
For ongoing mining activities, state governments have been instructed to:
- Ensure all environmental safeguards are strictly followed
- Comply with the Supreme Court’s orders
- Regulate mining activities stringently with additional restrictions to guarantee sustainable practices
Background
The decision follows widespread protests by local communities, environmental groups, and political organizations demanding protection of the Aravallis, which serve as a source for major rivers such as the Chambal and Sabarmati, supporting agriculture and regional livelihoods.
