Aravalli Hills Mining Rejected: Government's Stand

The central government has firmly rejected allegations that the definition of the Aravalli hills has been altered to permit mining activities. This decision comes in light of a Supreme Court order, which has imposed a freeze on new mining leases in the region until a comprehensive management plan is finalized. The government emphasizes that this directive aims to protect the ecology of the area, as uncontrolled mining poses a significant threat to the environment.

Last year, the Supreme Court constituted a committee to propose a "uniform definition" for the Aravalli hills, addressing the inconsistencies in the criteria used by different states. Chaired by the Environment Ministry secretary, the committee includes representatives from the state governments of Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. The committee’s recommendations include marking the Aravalli hills on Survey of India maps before any mining activity takes place.

Moreover, the committee proposed clear identification of core areas where mining should be strictly prohibited. It highlighted the need for a scientifically robust criterion that determines local relief, ensuring the uniform application of regulations across all states. The recommendation also emphasizes that hills within 500 meters of each other should be considered a range and must be protected accordingly.

The government noted that a detailed analysis across Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat reveals that legally approved mining covers only a minuscule portion of the Aravalli region, amounting to about 0.19 percent of the total geographical area of 37 Aravalli districts. Notably, Delhi, which has five Aravalli districts, does not permit any mining activities.

Despite these regulations, the government asserts that the primary threat to the Aravallis comes from illegal and unregulated mining. The committee has proposed stronger monitoring and enforcement measures, including the use of technology like drones and surveillance to combat this pressing issue. By taking these steps, the government aims to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Aravalli hills for future generations.