Centre rejects mining push charge behind Aravali definition, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Central government has rejected claims that the new Aravali definition will enable large-scale mining.
• Approximately 90% of the Aravali region will remain protected under the new definition.
• The Supreme Court has ordered a freeze on new mining leases in the region.
• The Environment Minister stated that the court-approved definition will bring over 90% of the Aravali region under protected area.
• On November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court accepted the recommendations on the definition of Aravali Hills and Ranges.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court-approved framework ensures stronger protection for the Aravali mountain system.
• The freeze on new mining leases will remain in place until a comprehensive management plan is finalized.
• The new definition specifies that an Aravali Hill is any landform in designated Aravali districts with an elevation of 100 meters or more above its local relief.
• An Aravali Range is defined as a collection of two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other.
• Mining eligibility is limited to only 0.19% of the total 1.44 lakh square kilometers of the Aravali region.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Aravali Range: A mountain range in northwestern India, one of the oldest fold mountains in the world.
• Mining Lease: An agreement that grants rights to a company to extract minerals from a specific area.
• Protected Area: Regions that receive protection because of their recognized natural, ecological, or cultural values.