Centre Reassures Public: Aravalli Mining Regulations Remain Intact

On Sunday, the Central government firmly countered assertions that a newly defined description of the Aravalli hills could lead to substantial mining activities. Officials revealed that over 90 percent of the Aravalli Hills will still be safeguarded, upholding stringent mining regulations. They clarified that the revised definition aims to bolster environmental protections rather than diminish them.

In response to criticisms from the Congress party and various organizations, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized that such claims stem from misinformation. He conveyed that confusion surrounding these updates is unwarranted, asserting that the framework ratified by the Supreme Court actually enhances the safeguarding of this sensitive mountain range.

The newly approved definition indicates that any landforms exceeding 100 metres in height, along with their slopes and adjacent areas, will be classified as part of the Aravalli range. The government reassured the public that this classification does not render areas below 100 metres eligible for mining; rather, the entire hill systems, even including lower areas within natural boundaries, remain protected.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh voiced opposition, alleging that under the new definition, almost 90 percent of the Aravallis would lose their protective status. The government refuted this claim, stating that mining eligibility pertains to just 0.19 percent of the overall Aravalli region, which covers approximately 1.44 lakh square kilometres, with the rest preserved under stringent environmental regulations.

Further explaining, Minister Yadav noted that regions located within 500 metres between two hills will be recognized as part of the same hill range and thus equally protected. He reiterated the misconception that mining could proceed freely below the 100-metre mark is erroneous; even the lower elevations of hill systems fall under protection measures.

Reports reveal that the Supreme Court mandated a standard definition, as dissimilar rules regarding mining permissions were being enacted across various states. A governmental inquiry indicated that Rajasthan has had a clear definition in effect since 2006 that prohibits mining within the lowest contour of a hill, irrespective of height differences.

Representatives from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi have agreed to adopt this model with improved safeguards, including obligatory mapping by the Survey of India, recognizing neighboring hills as a united range, and establishing core no-mining zones. The court has also mandated a halt on new mining leases until a sustainable mining framework is developed; meanwhile, existing mines may operate only under strict adherence to regulations. Full mining prohibitions persist in protected and eco-sensitive areas, except in exceptional cases of national significance.