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"Process Has Been Made Stricter": Bhupender Yadav on SC's Aravalli Definition

So the Supreme Court has accepted the government's stricter definition of the Aravalli hills to curb illegal mining. Union Minister Bhupinder Yadav explains that this means mining is now restricted to less than 1% of the area, with any new plans needing scientific approval. He also highlights efforts beyond just planting trees, focusing on restoring the entire ecosystem, including grasses and medicinal plants, through expanded nurseries. The government assures that with these measures, the Aravallis remain protected

Key Points: Centre Defines Aravalli Range, Stricter Process Against Illegal Mining: Bhupender Yadav

  • Union Minister Bhupender Yadav clarifies Supreme Court's Aravalli definition aims to curb illegal mining
  • Government asserts 90% of the Aravalli region remains fully protected under new framework
  • Mining permitted in only 0.19% of area with strict scientific management plan required
  • Any new mining approval must first be cleared by Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)
  • Ministry establishes 29 nurseries in Aravalli range, plans expansion to every district for ecological restoration
3 min read

"Process has been made stricter": Union Minister Bhupinder Yadav on SC accepting Centre's Aravalli definition

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav says SC's Aravalli definition aims to curb illegal mining, with only 0.19% area open for regulated activity and 90% fully protected.

"Mining activity in the Aravalli range will only be possible in 0.19 per cent of the area, which is less than one per cent, and even there, no new mines have been opened... This process has been made stricter. The main problem in the Aravalli range is illegal mining. To stop illegal mining, the Supreme Court has given this definition. - Bhupender Yadav / Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change"

New Delhi, December 22

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupinder Yadav, reacting to the "Save Aravalli" campaign following the Supreme Court's acceptance of the Centre's definition of the Aravalli hills, said that the process against illegal mining has been made stricter and that the Supreme Court has given this definition, with an intent to stop illegal mining.

The Union Minister also highlighted that, to conduct mining in these areas, a scientific management plan is required. He added that if any new approval comes, it should first be approved by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).

"Mining activity in the Aravalli range will only be possible in 0.19 per cent of the area, which is less than one per cent, and even there, no new mines have been opened...There too it has been said that its management scientific plan should be made and if any new approval comes, then that new approval should first be allowed from ICFRE. ... This process has been made stricter. The main problem in the Aravalli range is illegal mining. To stop illegal mining, the Supreme Court has given this definition, and a review is still pending before it. With this comprehensive definition and strict provisions, 90 per cent of the area is completely protected," said Union Minister Bhupinder Yadav.

The Minister emphasised that they have established 29 nurseries in the Aravalli range and plan to expand them to every district.

"There can be no alternative; therefore, the Aravalli range needs protection. Just planting trees all around is not enough; this ecology, includes grass, shrubs, and medicinal plants, which are part of an ecological system and the International Big Cat Alliance created by our ministry. So, the Big Cat Alliance doesn't just mean that we conserve tigers. But a tiger can only survive in a place if its prey and the entire ecological system supporting it are also present. And the deer and other animals will only survive if there is grass and other vegetation for them. That's why we have established more than 29 nurseries, and we are planning to expand them to every district. We have studied the local flora of the entire Aravalli range, in every district, and the ecosystem includes everything from small grasses to large trees. That's why I don't just talk about trees; I talk about the entire ecology," he said.

The Government clearly maintains that there is no imminent threat to the Aravallis' ecology. Ongoing afforestation, eco-sensitive zone notifications, and strict monitoring of mining and urban activities ensure that the Aravallis continue to serve as a natural heritage and ecological shield for the nation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I appreciate the holistic approach mentioned by the Minister - not just trees but the entire ecology, including grasses and medicinal plants. The nurseries in every district sound like a good plan if implemented properly.
V
Vikram M
The intent is good, but the proof will be in the enforcement. We have seen strong laws before, but illegal mining mafias often find loopholes or political protection. I hope this "stricter process" has real teeth on the ground.
P
Priya S
The Aravallis are the lungs of North India, especially for Delhi-NCR. Any move to protect them is welcome. Linking it to the Big Cat Alliance and the entire food web shows they are thinking long-term. Good job!
R
Rohit P
While the government says there's "no imminent threat," citizens in Gurgaon and Faridabad have seen the hills shrink for years. Action is needed now, not just plans. The 0.19% mining allowance still worries me.
K
Kavya N
Finally, some sense prevails! The Aravalli definition has been ambiguous for too long, allowing exploiters to operate. Making ICFRE approval mandatory for any new mining is a smart, science-based check. Hope it works.

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