New Delhi. In order to protect and preserve the Aravalli range, stretching from Delhi to Gujarat, from illegal mining, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued instructions to the states to impose a complete ban on granting any kind of new mining leases in the Aravalli. This restriction will apply equally to the entire Aravali terrain and is aimed at preserving the integrity of the mountain range. These directions aim to protect the Aravallis as a continuous geological range extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region and to stop all unregulated mining activities. Also, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has asked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education to identify additional areas in the entire Aravalli region where mining should be banned from environmental, geological and landscape perspectives.
ICFRE has been mandated to undertake this work while preparing a comprehensive, science-based management plan (MPSM) for sustainable mining for the entire Aravalli region. The plan, which will be made public for wide stakeholder consultation, will assess the cumulative environmental impact and ecological carrying capacity.
The plan will identify ecologically sensitive and conservation important areas and determine restoration and rehabilitation measures.
This effort by the Center will further expand the scope of protected and prohibited areas from mining in the entire Aravalli region, taking into account the local topography, ecology and biodiversity.
The Central Government has also directed that in respect of mines already in operation, the concerned State Governments should ensure strict adherence to all environmental safeguards as per the order of the Supreme Court.
Ongoing mining activities should be strictly regulated with additional restrictions to ensure environmental protection and adherence to sustainable mining practices.
The Government of India is fully committed to the long-term conservation of the Aravalli ecosystem, as it recognizes its important role in preventing desertification, conserving biodiversity, recharging water reserves and providing environmental services to the region.
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