New Delhi, December 25 (ANI) — The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has reached out to the Chief Secretaries of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. They addressed the “ban on new mining leases and stricter rules for current mining activities in the Aravalli Hills.” This follows a Supreme Court ruling from November 20, 2025, in the case of TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India.
The Supreme Court directed that no new mining leases can be granted until a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the Aravalli range is ready. The Ministry also contacted the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE) for additional assessments regarding prohibited mining areas and the ecological limits of the entire region.
Interestingly, the Supreme Court accepted a definition of the Aravalli hills indicating that hills below 100 meters in elevation are not subject to mining restrictions. They also approved recommendations for sustainable mining practices to curb illegal mining activities.
The Environment Ministry has clarified that no new mining leases will be issued until a detailed study aligns with the Supreme Court’s directive. This decision is seen as a protective measure against immediate ecological harm.
The Aravalli mountain range spans about 670 kilometers in northwestern India, with its highest point reaching 1,722 meters at Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. It’s important to note that this range is one of the oldest in India, dating back around 2 billion years.
This new move reflects a growing awareness of the need for sustainable practices. According to recent data from the Ministry, illegal mining activities have been linked to significant ecological damage, including habitat loss and soil erosion. Experts argue that addressing these issues now can lead to a healthier environment for future generations.
As discussions continue around environmental conservation, social media has seen strong reactions from citizens advocating for responsible mining practices. Many are voicing support for the Supreme Court’s ruling, viewing it as a crucial step towards safeguarding India’s natural resources.
For further details, you can read the Supreme Court’s full judgment and its implications on environmental policies on trusted sources like the [Government of India’s official site](https://www.india.gov.in/).
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Mining ban, Aravalli hills, Supreme court, Environment ministry, Mining leases, Sustainable mining, Mpsm, Mining plan, Illegal mining, Aravalli range
