Aravalli Mining Ban: Centre Halts New Leases, Implements SC Definition for Protection

• MoEFCC issued a complete ban on new mining leases across the Aravalli mountain range on December 24, 2025, impacting Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi.
• The ban follows a Supreme Court verdict (Nov 20, 2025) defining Aravalli as landforms >= 100m elevation, covering over 90% of the region.
• Environmentalists object to the 100m criterion, fearing unprotected small hills; Union Minister Bhupender Yadav assures strict mining limits (0.19% land).
• ICFRE will identify no-mining zones, and a Sustainable Mining Management Plan (MPSM) will be developed for the Aravalli region.
• Aravalli is crucial for preventing Thar Desert expansion, protecting biodiversity, recharging groundwater, and acting as a green barrier for Delhi-NCR.

Why It Matters: Centre bans new Aravalli mining leases, implements Supreme Court's definition, aiming to protect the vital mountain range.