Supreme Court Allows Regulated Mining in Aravalli Hills, Halts New Leases
Supreme Court cautions that a total mining ban may fuel illegal mining and crimes
Nov 21, 2025 - The Supreme Court on Thursday delivered a major judgment regarding the protection of the Aravalli hills and mountain ranges amid concerns of large-scale illegal mining in the region. A three-judge Bench directed that mining should be allowed to continue in the currently valid mines, but strict compliance with all rules must be ensured. The Court, however, made it clear that until a long-term management plan for mining is prepared, approval for new mines will remain suspended.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai, Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice NV Anjaria said that imposing a complete ban on mining in this region would encourage the mining mafia, illegal mining and related crimes.
Emphasising that no harm should be allowed to come to the Aravalli hills and mountain ranges, the Court directed the preparation of a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for all districts surrounding the Aravalli range. This plan will be prepared by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Earlier, the Court had conducted detailed hearings on the definition of the Aravalli hills and mountain range and had reserved its verdict. In its decision, the Apex Court accepted all the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which included the definitions as well as suggestions related to banning mining in the core and adjoining areas.
The CEC recommended that hills with a height of 100 metres or more (measured from top) in the districts of the Aravalli region should qualify as part of the Aravalli range. Additionally, it defined the Aravalli Range as “two or more Aravalli Hills, located within the proximity of 500 metres from each other, measured from the outermost point on the boundary of the lowest contour line on the two hills.”
The Court also directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education to conduct a study of the Aravalli hills and range area.
With Media Inputs
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