The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) implemented a comprehensive prohibition on granting new mining leases across the entire Aravalli mountain range. The ministry said the prohibition applies uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape, irrespective of state boundaries, and covers Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. The directive was issued following the Supreme Court-backed definition of the Aravalli as hills rising at least 100 metres above surrounding terrain, with hill ranges separated by over 500 metres of plain treated as distinct formations. The Aravalli range prevents desertification, supports biodiversity, recharges groundwater aquifers, and provides critical ecosystem services to millions across northwestern India. For the implementation phase, the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been tasked with identifying additional zones requiring complete mining prohibition and preparing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) that will assess environmental impacts and evaluate ecological carrying capacity. State governments of the four affected states must ensure strict compliance with all environmental safeguards and adhere fully to Supreme Court orders, with enhanced monitoring and additional restrictions imposed on currently operating mines. Rajasthan, which hosts the largest share of the Aravalli by area, is expected to undertake the most significant enforcement, coordinated through its Mines, Forest, Revenue, and Transport departments. The decision reflects the Centre's response to decades of concern over illegal mining, deforestation, and desertification of the Aravalli belt, and positions the range as a key node in India's ecological security architecture.
Union Environment Ministry Imposes Complete Ban on New Mining Leases Across Aravalli Range
The Union MoEF&CC imposed a complete ban on new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range, applying uniformly across Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. Following the Supreme Court-backed definition (hills ≥100 m above terrain), ICFRE will prepare a scientific Management Plan for Sustainable Mining. Rajasthan, hosting the largest share, will coordinate enforcement via Mines, Forest, Revenue, and Transport departments.
Key facts
- Union MoEF&CC imposed complete ban on new mining leases across entire Aravalli range in Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat
- Supreme Court-backed definition: hills rising at least 100 metres above surrounding terrain qualify as Aravalli; hills separated by 500+ metres of plain are distinct formations
- ICFRE tasked with identifying additional prohibition zones and preparing a science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM)
- Aravalli range critical for preventing desertification, supporting biodiversity, recharging groundwater aquifers, and ecosystem services
- Existing mines face enhanced monitoring and additional restrictions; state governments must ensure strict compliance with Supreme Court orders
Mains angle
Q: Evaluate the Union Environment Ministry's complete ban on new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range, the later Supreme Court stay of the 100-metre definition, and Rajasthan's expected enforcement burden as host of the largest share.
Answer (50 words):
The MoEF&CC imposed a complete ban on new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range in Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat, adopting the Supreme Court-backed definition of hills rising at least 100 metres above terrain. ICFRE will prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining; Rajasthan leads multi-departmental enforcement.
Static prep for this topic
Read the permanent syllabus behind this story.
6-axis classification
Appears in these topics
Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
According to the MoEF&CC directive in late December 2025, which four states are covered by the uniform ban on new mining leases across the Aravalli range?
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) confirmed that the prohibition applies uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape irrespective of state boundaries, covering Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. Rajasthan hosts the largest share of the Aravalli by area and will coordinate enforcement through its Mines, Forest, Revenue, and Transport departments.
Source: DD News
Frequently asked questions
Which states does the MoEF&CC ban on new Aravalli mining leases cover?
The ban applies uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape irrespective of state boundaries, covering Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.
What is the Supreme Court-backed definition of the Aravalli range?
Hills qualifying as Aravalli must rise at least 100 metres above the surrounding terrain, and hill ranges separated by over 500 metres of plain are treated as distinct formations.
What role has ICFRE been assigned under the ban?
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education has been tasked with identifying additional prohibition zones and preparing a comprehensive, science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM).
Why is the Aravalli range ecologically critical?
It prevents desertification, supports biodiversity, recharges groundwater aquifers, and provides critical ecosystem services to millions across northwestern India.
Was this useful?
Share corrections or missing exam angles with the editorial team.
Send feedback