The Supreme Court dismissed claims that a new definition of the Aravalli range would allow large-scale mining. They said that more than 90 % of the mountain system will remain protected. A Supreme Court-ordered freeze on new mining leases is still in place.
The controversy revolves around a Supreme Court-approved framework that standardises the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges across states.
Supreme Court Defines Aravalli Hills
The government explained that this change improves protection, clears up confusion, and limits practices that previously permitted mining near hill bases. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav mentioned that the approved definition will place over 90 % of the Aravalli region under protected status.
In response to questions from reporters after a meeting about Project Elephant and the National Tiger Conservation Authority in the Sundarbans of West Bengal, he said that “no relaxation has been granted” for the Aravallis. He accused critics of spreading misinformation. “Stop spreading misinformation!” he said in a post on X, following allegations from Congress and others that the change would harm the Aravallis.
Curb illegal mining
“In the total area of 1.44 lakh square kms of the Aravalli, mining eligibility can only be in 0.19 % of the area. The rest of the entire Aravalli preserved and protected,” said Yadav, the Union minister for environment, forest, and climate change.
On November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court accepted recommendations from a committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change regarding a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges. The committee formed in May 2024 that addressing long-standing cases related to illegal mining in the area.
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