Aravallis: no new mining leases anywhere in the range
What happened
- MoEFCC directed states to grant no new mining leases anywhere in the Aravallis, from Delhi to Gujarat [PIB].
- ICFRE is to identify more zones where mining should be banned while preparing a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the whole range [PIB].
Background
- This follows the row over a uniform definition of the Aravallis (see 21 Dec). The Aravallis hold back the Thar’s spread east and recharge groundwater.
Why it matters
- A blanket ban on new leases answers the concern that a narrow definition would open hills to mining. Existing leases remain a gap.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2025-12-24): moEFCC directed states to grant no new mining leases anywhere in the Aravallis, from Delhi to Gujarat.
- A blanket ban on new leases answers the concern that a narrow definition would open hills to mining. Existing leases remain a gap.
Quotable data pointMoEFCC directed states to grant no new mining leases anywhere in the Aravallis, from Delhi to Gujarat.
PIB: MoEFCC: No new mining leases in Aravallis, 24 Dec 2025
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: Aravalli range, ICFRE. · Mains: mining vs ecology.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
Agency asked to prepare the MPSM
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
The Aravallis extend from Gujarat to
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
The ban applies to
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
ExplainerCITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Appendices I-III, How It Works in India and Issues (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerWestern Ghats: Extent, Formation, Rivers, Biodiversity Hotspot, Gadgil and Kasturirangan Reports and Conservation Issues (UPSC Notes + PYQs)
Official source: PIB: MoEFCC: No new mining leases in Aravallis, 24 Dec 2025
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending