On December 24, 2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced new rules to protect the Aravalli mountain range and stop illegal mining.
Main Points from the New Directions:
Ban on New Mining Leases: The government has told state authorities to stop issuing new mining leases in the Aravalli region, which spans from Delhi to Gujarat.
Protecting the Ecosystem: This step aims to maintain the ecological balance of the Aravalli mountains and curb mining activities that harm the environment.
Expanding Restricted Areas: The government plans to designate more zones within the Aravalli for protection, taking into account local features like soil, rivers, and biodiversity.
Research and Planning: The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education will identify ecologically sensitive areas and create a science-based plan for sustainable mining and conservation.
Assessing Environmental Impact: The new management plan will look at the environmental impacts of mining and offer solutions for restoration and rehabilitation.
Stakeholder Engagement: The plan will be shared publicly to involve various stakeholders and ensure transparency.
Compliance with Environmental Safeguards: States need to comply with environmental protections for existing mining operations, in line with Supreme Court orders.
Commitment to Conservation: The government emphasizes the importance of the Aravalli ecosystem, which helps in biodiversity conservation, water recharge, and preventing desertification.
The Aravalli range is more than just mountains; it serves vital ecological functions. Recent studies indicate that deforestation and unregulated mining have exacerbated soil erosion and reduced water quality in the surrounding areas.
Experts argue that protecting this area is not just about conserving nature. It’s about securing resources for future generations. Taking action now can prevent costly recoveries later. According to the World Resources Institute, the Aravalli range supports a variety of flora and fauna, making its preservation even more crucial.
Historically, the Aravallis have faced threats from urban expansion and mining, but this new direction marks a significant shift toward proactive environmental management. Social media has seen spikes in awareness campaigns, with hashtags related to Aravalli protection trending as users express support for sustainable practices.
By putting these protections in place, the government aims to restore the Aravalli range to its natural state while balancing the needs of local communities and future generations.
For more details, you can refer to the official report from the Ministry of Environment.
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