No New Mining in Aravallis: In a major step to protect one of India’s most ecologically fragile regions, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has directed all concerned states to impose a complete ban on granting new mining leases across the Aravalli Range.
The Aravallis extend from Delhi to Gujarat, and the prohibition will apply uniformly across the entire range.
No New Mining in Aravallis: Centre Issues Major Environmental Order
Objective of the Centre’s Order
The directive aims to:
- Curb illegal and unregulated mining
- Preserve the integrity of the ancient geological formation
- Protect the Aravallis as a continuous ecological ridge
The Centre highlighted long-standing concerns over environmental degradation, habitat loss, and weakening of natural barriers due to mining activities in the region.
ICFRE to Identify Additional No-Mining Zones
The Centre has tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) with identifying additional areas across the Aravallis where mining should be prohibited, beyond already notified no-mining zones.
This identification will be based on:
- Ecological sensitivity
- Geological importance
- Landscape-level continuity
Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM)
ICFRE has also been directed to prepare a science-based Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli region.
The plan will:
- Assess cumulative environmental impact
- Evaluate ecological carrying capacity
- Identify conservation-critical and sensitive areas
- Propose restoration and rehabilitation measures
The draft MPSM will be placed in the public domain for stakeholder consultation.
Strict Regulation of Existing Mines
While new mining leases are banned, existing mines will be allowed to operate under strict regulation.
State governments have been directed to:
- Ensure compliance with environmental safeguards
- Follow Supreme Court orders related to Aravalli protection
- Enforce sustainable mining practices with additional restrictions where necessary
Importance of the Aravalli Ecosystem
The Centre reiterated its commitment to long-term protection of the Aravallis, recognising their vital role in:
- Preventing desertification
- Conserving biodiversity
- Recharging aquifers
- Providing critical ecosystem services to northern and western India
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- New mining leases are completely banned across the Aravalli range
- Aravallis extend from Delhi to Gujarat
- ICFRE will identify additional no-mining zones
- A Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) will be prepared
- Existing mines will face strict environmental regulation
- Aravallis help prevent desertification and recharge groundwater
Question & Answer
Q1. Which ministry directed states to ban new mining leases across the Aravalli range?
(a) Ministry of Coal
(b) Ministry of Mines
(c) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(d) Ministry of Power
Answer: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Q2. The Aravalli range extends from Delhi to which state?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Gujarat
Answer: Gujarat
Q3. Which organisation has been tasked with identifying additional no-mining zones in the Aravallis?
(a) Geological Survey of India
(b) Forest Survey of India
(c) Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
(d) Wildlife Institute of India
Answer: Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
Q4. What is the purpose of the Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM)?
(a) Promote mineral exports
(b) Assess ecological impact and carrying capacity
(c) Increase mining leases
(d) Privatise mining operations
Answer: Assess ecological impact and carrying capacity
Q5. Why is protection of the Aravalli range considered important?
(a) It supports coastal ecosystems
(b) It prevents desertification and recharges aquifers
(c) It is India’s highest mountain range
(d) It hosts marine biodiversity
Answer: It prevents desertification and recharges aquifers
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