Aravallis Protected, Focus on Illegal Mining: Bhupender Yadav

• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav asserts Aravalli Hills remain fully protected, with recent Supreme Court order targeting only illegal mining.
• Yadav clarified existing protections for forest land and residential areas are unchanged, dispelling "rumours" about dilution.
• Only 277 sq km of the 1.47 lakh sq km Aravalli range is open for mining under existing legal provisions; the 100-meter rule applies.
• Mining is completely banned in Delhi-NCR's Aravalli Hills, and no new mining projects will be allowed except for critical minerals.
• Environmental experts express concern that the new SC-accepted definition could leave 90% of Rajasthan's Aravalli range vulnerable to ecological damage.

Why It Matters: Bhupender Yadav confirms Aravallis are protected, new rules target illegal mining, despite expert concerns.