Centre Enforces Complete Mining Ban
Aravallis Get Stronger Protection with Expanded No Mining Zones: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has imposed a complete ban on granting new mining leases across the entire Aravalli Range. The decision applies uniformly from Gujarat to the National Capital Region, closing regulatory gaps between states. This marks a decisive shift towards stricter environmental governance.
The ban targets unchecked mining that has damaged fragile landscapes over decades. It also reinforces India’s commitment to conserving one of the oldest mountain systems in the world.
Static GK fact: The Aravalli Range is among the oldest fold mountain systems globally, dating back nearly 1.5 billion years.
Expansion of Protected Zones
The Centre has ordered the expansion of no mining and protected zones within the Aravalli landscape. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been tasked with identifying additional vulnerable stretches. These areas will be brought under formal protection.
The identification will be guided by ecological sensitivity, geological significance, and landscape level environmental considerations. This approach ensures protection goes beyond administrative boundaries.
Static GK Tip: Landscape level conservation focuses on protecting entire ecosystems rather than isolated forest patches.
Science Based Management Framework
Alongside the ban, ICFRE has been directed to prepare a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the entire Aravalli region. The plan will follow a science based and holistic approach. It aims to balance ecological protection with long-term environmental stability.
Key elements include cumulative environmental impact assessment, evaluation of ecological carrying capacity, and identification of conservation critical zones. Restoration and rehabilitation of degraded areas form a core focus.
Static GK fact: Carrying capacity refers to the maximum level of human activity an ecosystem can sustain without irreversible damage.
Oversight of Existing Mining Operations
While new leases are prohibited, existing mining operations will continue under stricter regulatory oversight. State governments have been instructed to enforce environmental safeguards rigorously. Compliance with Supreme Court of India orders is mandatory.
Operational mines will face tighter environmental monitoring, additional operational restrictions, and stronger enforcement mechanisms. This ensures sustainability even where mining continues.
Static GK Tip: Environmental monitoring includes periodic assessment of air quality, water tables, and land stability.
Ecological Importance of the Aravallis
The Aravalli Range plays a crucial role in northern and western India’s ecological balance. It acts as a natural barrier against desertification by checking the eastward spread of the Thar Desert. The range also supports biodiversity corridors across multiple states.
The hills are vital for groundwater recharge, particularly for semi-arid regions. Degradation in the Aravallis has previously intensified air pollution, water scarcity, and land degradation, especially in the Delhi NCR region.
Static GK fact: Groundwater recharge zones are critical for sustaining aquifers in water-stressed regions.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Aravallis Get Stronger Protection with Expanded No Mining Zones:
| Topic | Detail |
| Policy decision | Complete ban on new mining leases |
| Geographical scope | Entire Aravalli Range from Gujarat to NCR |
| Nodal ministry | Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change |
| Technical body | Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education |
| Key objective | Prevent illegal mining and ecological degradation |
| Management plan | Science based sustainable mining framework |
| Existing mines | Allowed with enhanced regulatory oversight |
| Ecological role | Desertification control and groundwater recharge |
| Mountain age | Among the oldest fold mountains globally |
| Legal backing | Supreme Court environmental compliance |
