Aravallis BIG Update: Centre directs states to impose complete ban on granting new mining leases, ongoing activities to…

New Delhi: In a major development, the Modi government has directed states to impose complete ban on granting new mining leases in Aravallis. “The government fully committed towards long-term protection of Aravalli ecosystem; recognising its critical role in conserving biodiversity,” the officials said.

The officials further say that the ongoing mining activities in Aravallis to be regulated stringently to ensure environmental protection.

“The government stands fully committed towards long-term protection of the Aravalli ecosystem, recognising its critical role in preventing desertification, conserving biodiversity, recharging aquifers and providing environmental services for the region,” the official said.

The Supreme Court, in November 2025, accepted a uniform legal definition of what constitutes the Aravalli Hills and Aravalli Range on the recommendation of a committee led by the Environment Ministry.

Under this definition, an “Aravalli Hill” is a landform with an elevation of at least 100 metres above its local surrounding terrain and an “Aravalli Range” is a cluster of two or more such hills within 500 metres of each other.

The Congress has alleged that the move would effectively lead to the opening of tens of thousands of mines and cause irreversible environmental damage.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the recent “clarifications” on the ancient mountain range given by the Environment and Forest Minister raise more questions.

“Aravallis are part of our natural heritage and have great ecological value. They need substantial restoration and meaningful protection. Why is the Modi government hellbent on redefining them? To what end? For whose benefit?

“And why are the recommendations of a professional organisation like the Forest Survey of India(BHARAT) being deliberately ignored and set aside?” he asked.

Ramesh also said, “The very recent ‘clarifications’ given by the Union Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change on the Aravallis issue raise even more questions and doubts.”