No relaxation for Aravalli mining, says Centre

FACING PROTESTS AND criticism over a new uniform definition of the Aravalli hills, which was accepted by the Supreme Court based on recommendations of a Centre-led panel, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said Sunday that it would not lead to any relaxation for mining in the range.

- NIKHIL GHANEKAR

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority in the Sunderbans, Yadav said, "The total Aravalli range is 147,000 sq km and only 2% can be mined and that too only after certain studies. The Supreme Court has directed that a sustainable mining plan should be prepared like it has been done in Saranda, Jharkhand, and permissions will be granted (for mining) only after that. No permissions will be granted in Delhi, and more than 20 reserve forests and protected areas in Aravallis will all be protected."

The Union Environment Ministry also issued a detailed note, seeking to explain that no new mining leases will be allowed until a detailed study is undertaken according to a November 20 order of the Supreme Court.