Govt imposes ban on new mining leases in Aravallis

Existing mines with permissions will be allowed if they ‘strictly’ comply with norms; protected zone to be expanded

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

The Centre on Wednesday issued directions to states for a complete ban on granting new mining leases in the Aravallis, officials said.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has also directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to identify additional areas and zones in the entire Aravallis where mining should be prohibited over and above the areas already prohibited for mining by the Centre.

“This prohibition applies uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape and is intended to preserve the integrity of the range. The directions are aimed at safeguarding the Aravallis as a continuous geological ridge extending from Gujarat to NCR and at stopping all unregulated mining activities,” a senior official said.