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22 Dec 2025·Source: The Indian Express
2 min
Environment & EcologyPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Environment Minister Asserts No Mining Relaxation in Aravalli Range

Environment Minister clarifies no mining relaxation despite new Aravalli definition.

Environment Minister Asserts No Mining Relaxation in Aravalli Range

Photo by Rohit yadav

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav clarified that the new uniform definition of the Aravalli hills, accepted by the Supreme Court based on a Centre-led panel's recommendations, would not lead to any relaxation for mining in the range. He stated that only 2% of the total Aravalli range (1.47 lakh square km) can be mined, and that too only after certain studies and a sustainable mining plan, similar to the one in Saranda, Jharkhand, are prepared. This clarification comes amid protests and criticism over the new definition.

मुख्य तथ्य

1.

No mining relaxation in Aravalli range despite new definition

2.

Only 2% of Aravalli range can be mined

3.

Sustainable mining plan required

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Geographical significance of Aravallis (location, extent, geological age)

2.

Ecological importance (biodiversity, water security, climate regulation)

3.

Environmental governance and regulatory framework for mining (MMDR Act, EIA)

4.

Role of judiciary (Supreme Court) in environmental protection

5.

Concept of sustainable mining and balancing development with conservation

6.

Impact of policy definitions on environmental protection

दृश्य सामग्री

Aravalli Range: Geographical Extent & Mining Context

This map illustrates the stretch of the Aravalli Range across four Indian states and Delhi, highlighting its critical ecological role and the location of Saranda, Jharkhand, as a model for sustainable mining mentioned in the news. It provides a visual context for the Environment Minister's statement.

Loading interactive map...

📍Palanpur, Gujarat📍Raisina Hill, Delhi📍Guru Shikhar, Rajasthan📍Saranda Forest, Jharkhand

Aravalli Range: Mining Limits and Area Overview (December 2025)

This dashboard presents key statistics from the Environment Minister's statement regarding mining in the Aravalli Range, providing a quantitative overview of the current policy stance.

Total Aravalli Range Area
1.47 Lakh sq km

This is the total geographical area considered as the Aravalli Range under the new uniform definition accepted by the Supreme Court.

Permissible Mining Area
2% of Total Area

Only 2% of the total Aravalli range area can be considered for mining, and that too under strict conditions, as clarified by the Environment Minister.

Mining Conditions
Sustainable Plan & Studies

Any mining activity within the 2% permissible area requires prior studies and a sustainable mining plan, modelled on examples like Saranda, Jharkhand.

और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, plays a crucial ecological role in North India, acting as a natural barrier against desertification, a groundwater recharge zone, and a biodiversity hotspot. Historically, it has faced immense pressure from illegal mining, encroachment, and urbanization, leading to significant environmental degradation. Various Supreme Court interventions and environmental regulations have attempted to protect the range.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

The Union Environment Minister recently clarified that a new uniform definition of the Aravalli hills, accepted by the Supreme Court based on a Centre-led panel's recommendations, will not lead to a relaxation of mining norms. The Minister emphasized that only a small fraction (2%) of the total Aravalli range is designated for mining, and that too, only after thorough studies and the implementation of a sustainable mining plan, drawing parallels with the Saranda model in Jharkhand. This clarification comes amidst public concern and protests regarding the potential implications of the new definition.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range: 1. It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, extending across four states and one Union Territory in India. 2. It acts as a natural barrier preventing the eastward spread of the Thar Desert. 3. The range is crucial for groundwater recharge in the National Capital Region (NCR). 4. The new uniform definition of Aravalli hills, recently accepted by the Supreme Court, primarily focuses on its geological boundaries rather than ecological sensitivity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: A

Statement 1 is correct: The Aravalli Range is indeed one of the oldest fold mountains, extending across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Uttar Pradesh (though often primarily associated with the first four). Statement 2 is correct: It serves as a critical natural barrier against the desertification process from the Thar Desert. Statement 3 is correct: The Aravallis are vital for groundwater recharge, especially for the NCR. Statement 4 is incorrect: While the new definition might consider geological aspects for uniformity, the primary intent and concern around Aravallis have always been its ecological sensitivity and protection, not solely geological boundaries. The news article clarifies that the new definition will not lead to mining relaxation, implying continued focus on ecological protection.

2. In the context of mining regulations and environmental protection in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, is the primary legislation governing mining activities in India. 2. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a mandatory process for all major mining projects before granting environmental clearance. 3. The 'Saranda model' mentioned in the news is an example of sustainable forest management and community-based conservation in a mining-affected region. 4. The Supreme Court of India has consistently upheld the 'polluter pays' principle in cases involving environmental damage due to mining. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Statement 1 is correct: The MMDR Act, 1957 (and its subsequent amendments) is indeed the principal legislation for mining. Statement 2 is correct: EIA is a crucial and mandatory step for major projects, including mining, to assess and mitigate environmental impacts. Statement 3 is correct: The Saranda model in Jharkhand is recognized for its efforts in sustainable forest management, community involvement, and addressing the impacts of mining. Statement 4 is correct: The Supreme Court has indeed invoked and applied the 'polluter pays' principle in numerous environmental cases, including those related to mining, holding polluters accountable for remediation costs.

3. Which of the following is NOT a direct ecological service provided by the Aravalli Range?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Options A, B, and C are all direct and significant ecological services provided by the Aravalli Range. It acts as a desertification barrier, is a biodiversity hotspot, and is crucial for groundwater recharge. Option D is incorrect because the Aravallis are not a major source of perennial rivers. While some seasonal streams originate from the range, it does not feed large perennial river systems like the Himalayas or the Western Ghats.

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