Supreme Court Lays Down Guidelines for Sustainable Mining in Aravali Hills
Supreme Court mandates Management Plan for Sustainable Mining in Aravali Hills, halts new mining leases pending plan finalization.
In a landmark judgment dated November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, along with Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria, has issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at ensuring sustainable mining practices in the ecologically sensitive Aravali Hills and Ranges. This significant decision comes amidst rising concerns over environmental degradation and illegal mining activities in these regions, which span across the states of Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Recognizing the Aravalis as one of the oldest geological features on Earth, the Court emphasized the range's critical role in preventing desertification and supporting biodiversity across North India. The judgment is a response to proceedings initiated by T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad against the Union of India, which highlighted the need for a clear definition and proper conservation of the Aravali Hills.
The Supreme Court accepted the recommendations of the Committee constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for defining the Aravali Hills and Ranges in the context of mining activities. The Court has prohibited the granting of new mining leases until a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is prepared. This plan is to be developed by MoEF&CC in consultation with the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) and will identify permissible mining areas, ecologically sensitive zones, and necessary restoration measures.
The Court underscored the adverse impacts of a complete ban on mining, noting that it could lead to illegal mining and criminal activities. Instead, it highlighted the need for a balanced approach that allows legal mining activities to continue under strict ecological guidelines. The judgment mandates that existing legal mining operations in the Aravali Hills comply with the recommendations of the Committee, specifically paragraph 8 of the report.
The ruling also designates core/inviolate areas where mining activities are strictly prohibited. These areas include protected areas, ecological sensitive zones, tiger reserves, Ramsar sites, and other critical ecosystems within the Aravali landscape. The Court's decision aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of these ecologically fragile regions.
Furthermore, the judgment calls for a thorough cumulative environmental impact analysis and the establishment of independent environmental monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with ecological regulations. The Supreme Court's directive reflects a commitment to preserving the Aravali Hills' ecological integrity while balancing the socio-economic needs of the region.
Bottom Line:
Comprehensive guidelines issued by the Supreme Court for sustainable mining activities in the ecologically sensitive Aravali Hills and Ranges, emphasizing the preparation of a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) and imposing restrictions on new mining leases until MPSM finalization.
Statutory provision(s): Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, United Nations Convention on Combat Desertification, Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017.
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