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3 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Environment & EcologyPolity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Aravalli Hills Face Environmental Threat from Illegal Mining Despite SC Orders

Illegal mining continues to devastate Aravalli hills, threatening environment and tribal livelihoods despite Supreme Court bans.

Aravalli Hills Face Environmental Threat from Illegal Mining Despite SC Orders

Photo by Prince Lewis

The Aravalli hills, one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, are under severe threat from illegal mining activities, particularly in Rajasthan and Haryana. Despite a 2002 Supreme Court order banning mining in the Aravallis, and subsequent directives in 2009 and 2020, illegal operations persist, causing significant environmental damage like groundwater depletion, air pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

Local communities, including tribal populations, are heavily impacted, losing their traditional livelihoods and facing health hazards. The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized the need for conservation, even ordering a buffer zone around the hills, but enforcement remains a major challenge, highlighting a critical governance gap in protecting ecological heritage and tribal rights.

मुख्य तथ्य

1.

Aravalli hills are one of the world's oldest mountain ranges.

2.

Supreme Court banned mining in the Aravallis in 2002.

3.

SC orders in 2009 and 2020 also addressed Aravalli mining.

4.

Aravallis span 800 km across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

5.

Geological formations include zinc, copper, gold, and tungsten.

6.

Aravalli Notification 1992 (Environment Protection Act) regulates activities.

7.

SC ordered a 500-metre buffer zone around the Aravallis in 2020.

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Geography: Aravalli range, its extent, geological significance, watershed.

2.

Environment & Ecology: Biodiversity, ecological services, pollution, groundwater depletion, impact of mining, ecologically sensitive areas.

3.

Polity & Governance: Role of judiciary (judicial activism, environmental jurisprudence), environmental laws (MMDR Act, EPA), federalism (state vs. center enforcement), governance gaps, corruption.

4.

Social Issues: Tribal rights, livelihood issues, health impacts, Forest Rights Act, PESA.

दृश्य सामग्री

Aravalli Range & Illegal Mining Hotspots (2026)

This map illustrates the geographical spread of the Aravalli Range across India and highlights key states and districts severely affected by illegal mining activities, despite repeated Supreme Court directives. The Aravallis are crucial for ecological balance, especially for the National Capital Region.

Loading interactive map...

📍Gurugram, Haryana📍Faridabad, Haryana📍Alwar, Rajasthan📍Bharatpur, Rajasthan📍Udaipur, Rajasthan📍Delhi

Judicial Interventions & Persistent Threat to Aravallis (2002-2026)

This timeline chronicles the key Supreme Court orders and ongoing challenges related to illegal mining in the Aravalli Hills, demonstrating the persistent governance gap despite judicial activism.

The Aravalli range, one of the oldest in the world, has faced increasing pressure from urbanization and industrialization since the late 20th century. The judiciary's intervention became crucial as executive bodies failed to protect this vital ecological corridor, leading to a series of landmark judgments aimed at conservation.

  • 2002Supreme Court bans mining in the Aravalli region of Haryana and Rajasthan, citing environmental concerns.
  • 2009SC reiterates its ban on mining in the Aravallis, directing states to ensure compliance and take strict action against violators.
  • 2018SC expresses alarm over the disappearance of 31 hills in Rajasthan's Aravalli region due to illegal mining, highlighting severe enforcement failure.
  • 2020SC orders the creation of a 500-meter buffer zone around the Aravalli hills in Haryana and Rajasthan, prohibiting any non-forest activity.
  • 2023National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposes heavy fines on states for failing to curb illegal mining, specifically mentioning Aravalli violations.
  • 2024Reports from environmental agencies and local communities confirm continued illegal mining activities in various parts of the Aravallis, indicating persistent challenges in enforcement.
  • 2025Supreme Court reviews compliance reports on Aravalli protection, expresses dissatisfaction with state governments' efforts, and issues fresh directives for satellite monitoring and stricter penalties.
  • 2026Despite judicial oversight, illegal mining remains a significant threat to the Aravalli ecosystem, highlighting a critical governance gap and the need for sustained public and administrative action.
और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

The Aravalli Range, one of the world's oldest fold mountain systems, predates the Himalayan range. Stretching across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat, it plays a crucial ecological role as a green lung, water recharge zone, and biodiversity hotspot in a semi-arid region. Historically, it has been a source of minerals, leading to mining activities.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

Despite its ecological significance and repeated interventions by the Supreme Court since 2002, illegal mining continues unabated, particularly in Rajasthan and Haryana. This has led to severe environmental degradation, including groundwater depletion, air pollution, and loss of critical biodiversity. The SC's directives, including a ban on mining and the establishment of a buffer zone, face significant enforcement challenges, highlighting a critical governance deficit.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range: 1. It is an example of a relict mountain, formed during the Precambrian era. 2. The range acts as a significant watershed, separating the drainage of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. 3. It is primarily composed of igneous rocks, indicating its volcanic origin. 4. The highest peak of the Aravalli Range is Guru Shikhar, located in Rajasthan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Statement 1 is correct. The Aravallis are one of the oldest fold mountains, now relict, formed in the Precambrian era. Statement 2 is correct. The Aravallis form a watershed between the Luni river (draining into the Arabian Sea) and the Banas/Chambal rivers (draining into the Bay of Bengal via Yamuna-Ganga). Statement 3 is incorrect. While some igneous intrusions exist, the Aravallis are primarily composed of metamorphic rocks (schists, gneisses, quartzites) and sedimentary rocks, not primarily igneous indicating volcanic origin. They are fold mountains. Statement 4 is correct. Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, is the highest peak.

2. In the context of environmental protection and mining in India, which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the legal and judicial framework? 1. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, is the primary central legislation governing mining activities in India. 2. The Supreme Court, under Article 32 of the Constitution, can issue directives to protect ecologically sensitive areas even in the absence of specific legislation. 3. The concept of 'buffer zone' around protected areas or ecologically sensitive regions is a statutory requirement under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is correct. The MMDR Act, 1957 (and its subsequent amendments) is indeed the principal central legislation for mining. Statement 2 is correct. The Supreme Court has often used its powers under Articles 32 and 142 to issue directives for environmental protection, especially when there are governance gaps or lack of specific legislation, invoking principles like the 'public trust doctrine' and 'sustainable development'. Statement 3 is incorrect. While buffer zones (like Eco-Sensitive Zones) are often declared around Protected Areas, the concept is primarily implemented through the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and its rules, rather than being a direct statutory requirement *under* the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 itself. The WPA primarily deals with the declaration and management of PAs; ESZs are notified under EPA.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the impact of illegal mining on tribal communities and related legal provisions in India: 1. The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) grants Gram Sabhas the power to approve projects and control minor mineral leases in Scheduled Areas. 2. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, recognizes the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over forest land, including minor forest produce. 3. The Supreme Court's directives on illegal mining in the Aravallis have explicitly recognized the 'right to livelihood' of tribal communities as part of the 'right to life' under Article 21. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Statement 1 is correct. PESA empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas with significant authority, including mandatory consultation and recommendation for minor mineral concessions. Statement 2 is correct. The FRA, 2006, is a landmark legislation that recognizes and vests forest rights and occupation in forest land to forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. This includes rights over minor forest produce. Statement 3 is correct. The Supreme Court has consistently held that the right to livelihood is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21, and this principle is often invoked in cases involving environmental degradation impacting traditional communities, including in the context of mining. The news itself mentions impact on traditional livelihoods.

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