Aravalli Mining Row: SC Raises Ecological Concerns, Puts Mining Relief Plea on Hold

The Supreme Court of India on Friday made it clear that it will not pass any order in favour of mining lease holders for now, citing “disturbing feedback” over ongoing mining activity in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region .

The court was hearing a suo motu case on the definition and protection of the Aravalli Hills and Range , one of the world’s oldest mountain systems spread across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat . The case was taken up after repeated concerns over unregulated mining, environmental degradation, and lack of a clear scientific definition of the Aravallis, which was affecting enforcement of protection laws.

The bench observed that the matter involves serious ecological questions and cannot be examined in a piecemeal manner , stressing that no relief will be granted unless the court is fully satisfied with the overall environmental assessment.

The apex court has already been examining the need for a uniform scientific definition of the Aravalli range to avoid ambiguity in enforcement. It had earlier sought suggestions from the Environment Ministry and other stakeholders to appoint domain experts for a committee to finalise this definition.

The court also referred to its earlier directions that had effectively paused fresh mining leases in the region pending expert review. A proposed framework defining hill elevation and proximity criteria was adopted earlier, but later kept in abeyance after objections were raised by environmental groups and other stakeholders over possible loopholes.

The bench noted there has been significant public concern over how the definition is being interpreted and warned that any regulatory gaps could weaken the ecological protection of the Aravalli ecosystem.

Reiterating its cautious approach, the court said it would not proceed in fragments and will decide the matter only after comprehensive expert evaluation, making it clear that environmental protection will take priority over immediate relief to mining lease holders.