"Conservation of the Aravalli Ranges Should Sync With Minerals Conservation" - Kezar Ali, Udaipur Mining Association

UdaipurTimes, August 11, 2026 | Udaipur Business News: The Supreme Court has set up a high-level committee consisting of senior members of the forest department, mining lease holders, consulted people's representatives, environmentalists and other stakeholders. Members of this committee met with local stakeholders at the Zila Parishad office in Udaipur on August 10 to undertake a dialogue on the understanding of Aravalli mountain range conservation.

Speaking at this forum, the Udaipur Mining Association, represented by Kezar Ali, a mining lease holder from Udaipur gave its support to the governments efforts on conservation of the Aravalli range conservation. Kezar Ali, acknowledging the seriousness of the government and administration on their approach to conservation, also cautioned against Aravalli conservation efforts leading to foregoing self sustenance in minerals - in which the region is flourishing.

In his statement, Kezar Ali pointed out that in the current time, the conservation of the Aravalli mountain range has become an issue of immense importance and brings along with it, the importance of mineral conservation. He said that the government needs to brain storm on multiple aspects, viz. conservation of the range, the conservation of mineral usage, as well as the impact on the Indian economy that will result from this approach and efforts, in light of the countries import export policies.

He added that Rajasthan is home to more than 60 major and minor critical minerals, of which many are in monopoly. Zinc, lead, cobalt, nickel, wollastonite, calcite are some of the major minerals, which with soapstone and others make up for more than 80% of the countries mineral reserves. The minerals are used as raw material by major industries globally, be it paints, paper, cosmetics, fertilisers, cement or iron and steel. Further, these minerals are also part of our daily consumption, toothpaste and soap being one common example.

After presenting the above facts, Kezar Ali requested the committee members to present a balanced perspective to the the apex court. He asked for them include the aspects of sustainable mining, strictly control illegal mining and form a special authority to take measures to nip it in the bud. He added that the Udaipur Mining Association will go hand in hand with the government and administration and lend as much a helping hand as required to end illegal mining in the region and perhaps across the country.

Commenting on the actions being recommended to regulate mining in the region, he said that the country is self-sufficient in minerals and does not need to import. Further these minerals make up for large exports. He said that importing minerals will obscure the current resources within the country and promote illegal mining. He informed that the broken-up areas are low hanging fruits for illegal mining. He also recommended 2-4% capping and once again requested the committee to present a balanced view in light of the above facts and inferences.