NewKerala.com

Gujarat Bans Mining in Aravalli Core Zones, Launches Massive Green Wall Project

The Gujarat government has reaffirmed a complete prohibition on mining in 'core and inviolate' zones of the Aravalli hills, including protected areas and wetlands. It has implemented a new legal definition, classifying landforms over 100 meters as mountains to prevent exploitation loopholes. Concurrently, the state is advancing the Aravalli Green Wall Project, having planted over 86 lakh native saplings and cleared invasive species from 150 hectares. This dual strategy aims to conserve the ecologically critical range as a natural desert barrier and ensure sustainable development for future generations.

Key Points: Gujarat Prohibits Mining in Aravalli Core & Inviolate Zones

  • Complete mining ban in core zones
  • New legal definition for Aravalli mountains
  • Aravalli Green Wall Project expands
  • Removal of invasive species
2 min read

Mining will be completely prohibited by state government in 'core and inviolate' zones: Gujarat Minister

Gujarat reaffirms a complete mining ban in Aravalli core zones, defines mountains to prevent loopholes, and expands its Green Wall Project for conservation.

"Mining will be completely prohibited... in 'core and inviolate' zones - Minister Arjun Modhwadia"

Gandhinagar, December 25

Gujarat's Minister of Forests and Environment Arjun Modhwadia has reaffirmed the state government's firm commitment to the conservation and sustainable development of the Aravalli hills and mining will be completely prohibited by the state government in 'core and inviolate' zones.

He said that the state govrernment remains fully dedicated to safeguarding the state's forest areas and environmentally sensitive regions.

The Aravalli mountain range, spread across various districts of Gujarat, and its forest areas have never been granted permission for mining by the state government to date, and such activities will not be permitted in the future either, according to a release.

He said that in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court, the Government of Gujarat is implementing all aspects related to the new definition and conservation of the Aravalli hills. As per this, all landforms having a height of 100 metres or more above the local ground level have been defined as 'mountains', so that no legal loopholes remain. In addition, all areas up to 500 metres between two or more mountains with a height of more than 100 metres will also be considered an integral part of the Aravalli mountain range.

He emphasised that mining will be completely prohibited by the state government in 'core and inviolate' zones such as protected areas, eco-sensitive zones, reserve areas, wetlands, and CAMPA plantation sites across the state. The primary objective of the state government is to ensure environmental conservation alongside development, so that future generations inherit a safe and green Gujarat. The Aravalli mountain range is not merely a collection of rocks, but serves as a natural barrier preventing the advance of the desert and is extremely important for groundwater recharge.

Referring to the 'Aravalli Green Wall Project', the Minister stated that a total forest area of 3,25,511 hectares across the districts of Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Banaskantha, Mehsana, Mahisagar, Dahod, and Panchmahal in Gujarat has been included under this project. To enhance green cover, plantation of 86.84 lakh saplings of native species has been carried out over a total area of 4,426 hectares during the year 2025-26.

In addition, invasive plant species such as Prosopis juliflora (Gando Baval) and Lantana have been removed from an area of 150 hectares. Minister said during the coming year 2026-27, plantation and conservation activities will be undertaken over approximately 4,890 hectares under this project.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, a clear definition of what constitutes a 'mountain' to close legal loopholes. This has been a long-standing issue. Kudos to the government for taking Supreme Court directives seriously. The removal of invasive species is also a critical task.
D
David E
As someone who has visited the Aravallis near Udaipur, this is fantastic news. The ecological balance is fragile. The scale of the plantation—86 lakh saplings—is impressive. Monitoring survival rates will be key to its success.
A
Aman W
Good move, but I hope this doesn't negatively impact local livelihoods in those districts. There should be a parallel plan for sustainable employment in eco-tourism or forest management for affected communities. Development and conservation must go hand-in-hand.
S
Sarah B
The mention of the Aravallis as a barrier against desertification is so important. This isn't just about trees; it's about securing the future of the region's climate and water security. A vital long-term vision.
K
Karthik V
While the intent is praise-worthy, I have a respectful criticism. Announcements are one thing, ground reality is another. There needs to be transparent, real-time monitoring of these 'inviolate' zones with public access to data. Past promises have been broken.
N
Nisha Z

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50