Post by : Maya Rahman

In a clear rebuttal to recent allegations, the Central government confirmed on Sunday that the Aravalli hills would not see any alterations to their mining regulations. Officials emphasized that more than 90 percent of the Aravalli Hills will remain safeguarded, with no relaxation in existing mining policies. The revised definition aims to enhance environmental protections rather than diminish them.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed criticism from political entities, notably the Congress party, labeling the claims as unfounded. He insisted that assertions of potential mining expansion were misinformed and highlighted that the framework ratified by the Supreme Court fortifies the protection of this delicate mountain range.

The updated definition, ratified last month, specifies that landforms rising at least 100 metres above their surroundings, including adjacent slopes, will be classified as part of the Aravalli range. The government clarified that areas below the 100-metre threshold are not subject to mining activities; rather, entire hill systems, lower elevations enclosed naturally, will continue to enjoy protections.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized this move, asserting that it jeopardizes the protection of up to 90 percent of the Aravallis under the new criteria. The government countered this claim, noting that mining activities would be restricted to only 0.19 percent of the Aravalli's total expanse, which covers approximately 1.44 lakh square kilometres. The rest will remain protected by stringent environmental measures.

Minister Yadav further clarified that regions lying within 500 metres of adjacent hills will also be regarded as part of the same hill range, ensuring they are similarly protected. He dismissed rumors suggesting unregulated mining below the 100-metre level, affirming that all lower hill system areas are included in the protection mandates.

Reports indicate that the Supreme Court demanded a standardized definition due to varied regulations among states regarding mining permits. A governmental assessment revealed that only Rajasthan had maintained a clear ban on mining within the lowest contour of hills since 2006, irrespective of height variations.

Representatives from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi have committed to adopting this model with additional protections, including requisite mapping by the Survey of India and treating adjacent hills as a unified range, along with designating core no-mining areas. Additionally, the court has mandated a halt on new mining leases until a sustainable plan is devised, while existing operations must adhere to strict regulations. Complete mining bans continue to apply in protected and eco-sensitive zones, except in cases deemed of national significance.

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