'Complete Ban on New Mining Continues': Environment Minister After Supreme Court Stays Aravalli Order - Top Developments

The Supreme Court on Monday kept in abeyance its November 20 directions accepting a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, amid mounting political and environmental opposition to the new criteria. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the top court's decision to stay its order saying that the government stands committed to its protection and restoration.A vacation bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices J K Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih proposed the constitution of a high-powered committee of domain experts to undertake an “exhaustive and holistic examination” of the issue.“We deem it necessary to direct that the recommendations submitted by the committee, together with the findings and directions stipulated

by this court in the judgment of November 20, 2025, be kept in abeyance,” the bench said while hearing a suo motu case titled In Re: Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges and Ancillary Issues, as quoted by PTI.

The court issued notice to the Centre and other stakeholders and posted the matter for further hearing on January 21, saying several aspects of the definition required clarification.

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What the November 20 Supreme Court Order Had SaidThe apex court on November 20 had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges recommended by a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The ruling also imposed a ban on granting fresh mining leases in the Aravalli region across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until expert reports were submitted.The court had said the recommendations were aimed at protecting the world’s oldest mountain system, while also accepting guidelines for sustainable mining and measures to curb illegal mining.In its 29-page judgment delivered in the long-running environmental litigation arising from the T N Godavarman Thirumulpad case, the court had warned that uncontrolled mining posed a “great threat to the ecology of the nation.”

What the Committee’s Definition Proposed

The MoEFCC-appointed committee had recommended that an “Aravalli Hill” be defined as any landform located in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief.It stated, “Any landform located in the Aravalli districts, having an elevation of 100 metres or more from the local relief, shall be termed as Aravalli Hills… The entire landform lying within the area enclosed by such lowest contour, whether actual or extended notionally, together with the Hill, its supporting slopes and associated landforms irrespective of their gradient, shall be deemed to constitute part of the Aravalli Hills.”The panel further said that an “Aravalli Range” would comprise two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other, measured from the outermost point of the lowest contour line on either side.“The entire area of landforms falling between the lowest contour lines of these hills, as explained, along with associated features such as Hills, Hillocks, supporting slopes, etc., shall also be included as part of the Aravalli Range,” it added.

Opposition, Activists Raise Alarm Over Redefinition

The redefinition triggered sharp opposition from environmental activists, scientists and political parties, who argued that the 100-metre elevation criterion could exclude large swathes of the fragile ecosystem from protection.Critics claimed the move could open vast stretches of the Aravallis to mining, real estate and infrastructure projects, alleging that the redefinition was carried out without adequate scientific assessment or public consultation. They also pointed out that the Forest Survey of India, the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee and the court-appointed amicus curiae had opposed the new definition.

Rajasthan Congress, Activists Welcome Supreme Court Relief

Rajasthan Congress leaders and environmental activists welcomed Monday’s decision, calling it a victory for those campaigning to protect the Aravallis.Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said, “The Supreme Court's decision is a welcome move. In view of the current environmental challenges, it is essential to plan for the Aravalli region's future with a long-term vision, considering the next century.”He warned that increasing mining in the Aravalli range, including in Sariska, would be “dangerous for the future.”Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully described the order as “a major victory for the people” and said he hoped the court would deliver a historic judgment ensuring the long-term preservation of the Aravallis.The Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyan said the order was a “crucial development” and vowed to continue its campaign to protect the natural heritage.

Congress Demands Environment Minister’s Resignation

The Congress also welcomed the court’s decision, with general secretary Jairam Ramesh calling it a “flicker of hope.”“The Indian National Congress welcomes the directives given by the Supreme Court on the redefinition of the Aravallis being pushed through by the (Narendra) Modi government,” he said in a post on X.Ramesh demanded the resignation of Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, saying the order amounted to a rejection of all arguments advanced in favour of the redefinition.

Environment Minister Says Mining Ban Continues

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the government welcomed the court’s decision and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Aravalli range.“I welcome the Supreme Court directions introducing a stay on its order concerning the Aravalli range, and the formation of a new committee to study issues. We stand committed to extending all assistance sought from MoEFCC in the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range,” he said.“As things stand, a complete ban on mining stays with regard to new mining leases or renewal of old mining leases,” Yadav added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li5vDpzarzI

Why the Aravallis Matter

Stretching from Delhi through Haryana and Rajasthan into Gujarat, the Aravalli hills are among India’s oldest geological formations. They act as a natural barrier against desertification, support biodiversity and play a crucial role in groundwater recharge.