Aravalli Hills Mining Controversy: Supreme Court’s 100-Meter Rule and the Ecology vs Development Clash
India’s ancient Aravalli hills, a 700-km-long ecological lifeline spanning Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, face renewed threats from a recent Supreme Court ruling redefining protected areas. In November 2025, the Court adopted a new definition—considering only landforms rising at least 100 meters above surrounding plains as “Aravalli hills”—potentially opening vast low-lying areas to mining. This has sparked outrage over ecology versus development, exposing flaws in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes and environmental governance. For UPSC aspirants, this is a goldmine for Prelims (geography, environment) and Mains GS3 (conservation, sustainable development, federalism).
As NCR battles air pollution and desertification, the Aravalli’s role in recharging aquifers, curbing dust storms, and preserving biodiversity is critical. Yet, economic demands for limestone mining fuel the debate. This comprehensive analysis covers the ruling’s background, ecological stakes, development arguments, EIA shortcomings, governance challenges, and reforms—arming you with exam-ready insights.
Historical Evolution and the 2025 Supreme Court Ruling
The Aravalli mining crisis traces back to the 1990s, when illegal extraction devastated the range. In 2003 (T.N. Godavarman case), the Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on mining in “forest land,” extended in 2004 to all Aravalli areas. Partial lifts occurred in 2019 for compliant mines, but ambiguities persisted over what constitutes “hills.”
On 20 November 2025, the Supreme Court accepted a MoEFCC expert committee’s recommendation: Aravalli hills are now defined as landforms with a minimum 100-meter elevation from the base plain (including slopes >20% gradient). Forest Survey of India (FSI) data shows only 8.7% (1,048 out of 12,081 hills) qualify, leaving ~91% potentially minable—though not a blanket permission. The Court mandated:
- No new leases until a sustainable mining plan.
- Eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) notification.
- Real-time satellite monitoring (Bhuvan portal).
- Ban on mining within 500m of hill clusters.
Government (Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav) clarified: No relaxation; 90%+ area remains protected; only 0.19% eligible under strict norms. A December 2025 plea challenges this 100m criterion as ecologically flawed.
Key timeline:
- 2003-04: Nationwide mining ban.
- 2019: Selective resumption.
- Nov 2025: 100m definition adopted.
- Dec 2025: Govt rebuttals amid protests.
Ecological Stakes: A Biodiversity and Climate Crisis
Aravalli (110,000 sq km) is India’s barrier against the Thar Desert, hosting leopards, sloth bears, 400+ birds, and aquifer recharge for 10 crore NCR residents. Low-lying ridges, now at risk:
- Habitat fragmentation: Threatens corridors for endangered species.
- Desertification: 20% already degraded; mining could double advance rate (ISRO data).
- Air/water impact: Dust raises Delhi AQI 20-30%; groundwater drops 10-15m.
- Carbon sink loss: Undermines India’s Paris NDCs.
Wildlife Institute of India (2023) reports 2,000 sq km scarred by illegal mining. Critics warn the new definition excludes vital ridges, accelerating vulnerability.
Development Imperative: Jobs and Resources
Mining lobbies (Cement Manufacturers’ Association) argue:
- Economy boost: Rajasthan’s 150+ mines yield Rs 2,000 crore royalties; 10 lakh jobs.
- Cement demand: India needs 500 MT/year; Aravalli limestone cuts costs 15%.
- Atmanirbhar alignment: Sustainable tech (drones, zero-discharge) possible.
Yet, 80% post-2019 clearances violated rules, prioritizing short-term gains over eco-tourism/solar alternatives (Rs 5,000 crore potential).
| Parameter | Ecological Risk | Development Gain | Mitigation Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity | Loss of 400+ species habitats, corridor fragmentation | Jobs in non-hill zones (10L+) | ESZ enforcement gaps |
| Water Resources | Aquifer depletion (10-15m drop) | Royalty-funded irrigation (Rs 2k cr) | Zero-discharge norm compliance |
| Air Quality | Dust storms, NCR AQI spike (20-30 points) | Infrastructure growth (cement infra) | Satellite monitoring efficacy |
| Economy | Rs 10k cr health/desertification costs | Rs 2k cr annual revenue, 5% state GDP | Eco-tourism alternatives (Rs 5k cr potential) |
EIA Process: Critical Flaws in Aravalli Context
EIA 2006 requires stages (screening, scoping, public hearing, appraisal) for >5-ha mines. Exposures:
- Dilutions: 2020 draft (withdrawn) allowed post-facto nods.
- Public hearings: Manipulated; ignored in Mahendergarh.
- Data gaps: 40% lack cumulative zonal studies.
- Monitoring: SEIAA/SEAC under-resourced; 20% compliance.
2025 SC order demands integrated, state-wide EIAs. Links to Article 48A (DPSP: protect environment) and 51A(g) (citizen duty).
Governance and Federal Challenges
- Centre-State tussle: Rajasthan pro-mining; Haryana/Delhi resist.
- Judicial strain: SC’s “continuing mandamus”; NGT fines (Rs 100 cr+) ineffective.
- Illegal ops: 80% violations; no dedicated Aravalli Act.
- Policy voids: ESZs delayed (10% notified).
Reforms:
- Aravalli Conservation Authority.
- AI/drone enforcement.
- Community zoning, green bonds.
UPSC Linkages and Answer Framework
- Prelims: Aravalli map, 100m rule, EIA stages, Godavarman case.
- Mains GS3: “Development without destruction”; federal env policy (List III); compare Western Ghats.
- Essay: Ecology-development dilemma.
Structure: Intro (issue) → Legal backdrop → Pros/cons → Reforms → Conclusion (sustainable path).
FAQs on Aravalli Hills Mining Controversy
Q: What is the Supreme Court’s 100-meter rule for Aravalli?
A: Hills defined as ≥100m elevation from base; only 8.7% qualify for full protection.
Q: Does this allow unrestricted mining below 100m?
A: No—needs EIA, no new leases sans plan; 90%+ still protected.
Q: How does it impact NCR?
A: Risks dust storms, water scarcity, AQI spikes by worsening desert barrier.
Q: Key EIA flaws here?
A: Weak hearings, data gaps, poor enforcement; 2020 dilutions attempted fixes.
Q: NGT’s role?
A: Fines/closures; green bench complements SC.
Q: Sustainable alternatives?
A: Eco-tourism, solar parks—Rs 5k cr/year potential vs mining risks.
