The revised definition of Aravalli Hills, according to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday, is only applicable for mining purposes and is intended to prevent illicit mining while permitting sustainable mining.
He emphasized that mining is permitted on 277.89 sq km, or roughly 0.19%, of the entire Aravalli terrain, and that no new mining leases will be issued until a thorough scientific investigation is finished.
Yadav stated that worries about widespread ecological dilution are unfounded and that the Modi government is still steadfastly devoted to the "Green Aravalli" program when speaking at a news conference to calm concerns over the updated definition.
"This Aravalli Hills concept is solely relevant in relation to mining. It will only be utilized in relation to mining. Only 277.89 sq km of the Aravalli area's overall 1,43,577 sq km are allowed for mining, according to Yadav.
He stated that the new definition, which was accepted by the Supreme Court on the environment ministry's recommendation, "aims to curb illegal mining" and permits "sustainable mining legally," but only after the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has created a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining. In Aravallis, he said, it would be inaccurate to assume that mining would be allowed on all landforms below 100 meters.
However, Yadav declined to comment on the report's deadline, which is required before any new mining lease is taken into consideration
"The case is in court. "At this time, I am unable to comment on the timeline," he continued. Following the Supreme Court's confirmation of the Center's description of the Aravalli hills and its approval of proposals for sustainable mining, the statements have drawn harsh political criticism.
On the advice of a committee headed by the environment ministry, the Supreme Court adopted a consistent legal definition of the Aravalli hills and Aravalli range in November.
Many ecologically significant areas of the Aravalli system, such as low ridges, slopes, foothills, and recharge areas, do not meet the 100-meter threshold, according to critics, including environmentalists and some scientists. Despite this, they are crucial for soil stability, biodiversity support, groundwater recharge, and climate moderation.
