Aravallis redefined to curb illegal mining, says Union environment minister

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday claimed that the redefining of the Aravalli Hills is only meant to prevent illegal mining in the area and added that the Narendra Modi government remains committed to protecting and restoring the mountain range, PTI reported.

Yadav said that mining remains prohibited in the National Capital Region.

The 700-km Aravalli mountain range stretches diagonally from southwest Gujarat, through Rajasthan to Delhi and Haryana. Its highest point is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, which rises to an elevation of 1,722 metres.

Under the new definition that has been accepted by the Supreme Court, an Aravalli hill is any landform that rises at least 100 metres above the surrounding terrain. An Aravalli range is formed by two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other, including the land between them.

However, environmentalists have warned that defining the Aravallis solely by their height could leave many lower, scrub-covered but ecologically important hills vulnerable to mining and construction. Experts say these smaller hills are crucial for preventing desertification, recharging groundwater and supporting local livelihoods.

On Monday, Yadav said that the new definition was designed to allow “sustainable mining legally”. He said that no new mining leases will be granted until a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is finalised.

Only 0.19% of the entire Aravalli area can...

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