No new mining allowed, Bhupender Yadav clarifies amid Aravalli row

Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav has said that the Supreme Court ruling in the Aravalli range matter recognises and endorses the Government’s sustained efforts to protect the range through the Aravalli Green Wall Project. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Monday, the minister said that no new mining leases will be permitted, especially in protected and ecologically sensitive areas, including the National Capital Region (NCR). Yadav further noted that the Project is aimed at restoring degraded land, preventing desertification and improving the ecological health of green cover. The Minister said that the government is committed towards the development of Aravalli in accordance with the Scientific Management Plan.Yadav said the Supreme Court had clearly held that the Aravalli range in Delhi, Gujarat and Rajasthan must be conserved through scientific assessment. He added that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government has always encouraged a "green Aravalli."

The minister said this was the first time the government’s green movement had received such recognition. He clarified that the court has constituted a technical committee only for the restricted purpose of examining mining-related issues. Explaining the controversy over the "100-metre" criterion, Yadav said it refers to measurement from the top to the bottom of a hill. He further stressed that no mining is permitted in the NCR region. The minister further said that the judgment clearly defines the issue, noting that Paragraph 38 states no new mining lease will be granted except in cases of critical need. He added that the Aravalli range is home to 20 wildlife sanctuaries and four tiger reserves, underlining its ecological importance.

भ्रम फैलाना बंद करें!

अरावली के कुल 1.44 लाख वर्ग किलोमीटर क्षेत्र में मात्र 0.19% हिस्से में ही खनन की पात्रता हो सकती है।

बाकी पूरी अरावली संरक्षित और सुरक्षित है।#AravalliIsSafe pic.twitter.com/ojbaqtlniG

— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) December 21, 2025