Why in news?
The Supreme Court of India recently approved a new definition of the Aravalli hills — peaks and ridges above 100 metres elevation. Following this, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change convened a meeting on 8 December 2025 and tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) with preparing a district‑wise Management Plan for Sustainable Mining. The plan will identify zones where mining may be permitted under strict environmental safeguards and areas that must remain untouched.
Background
The Aravalli Range stretches about 700 kilometres across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Gujarat. These ancient hills act as a green lung for north‑western India, protect groundwater recharge and serve as a barrier against desertification. Unregulated mining for marble, granite and limestone has degraded large sections, prompting litigation. In October 2025 the Supreme Court accepted the government’s proposal to define Aravalli hills as landforms with minimum height of 100 metres above mean sea level. Critics say this definition may exclude many ecologically sensitive ridges and therefore call for caution.
ICFRE’s role
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Established in 1986 and granted autonomy in 1991, it is headquartered in Dehradun and operates nine research institutes and five centres across India. ICFRE’s mission is to generate, advance and disseminate scientific knowledge for sustainable management of forests and natural resources. Its objectives include coordinating forestry research, advising government agencies, developing new technologies, enhancing livelihoods of forest‑dependent communities and supporting international conventions.
Management Plan for Sustainable Mining
- Mapping: ICFRE will collaborate with the Survey of India, the mines ministry and state governments to map areas above 100 metres elevation in Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The mapping will identify “no‑go” zones such as wildlife sanctuaries, critical watersheds and dense forests.
- Carrying‑capacity assessment: Each district’s ecological carrying capacity will be evaluated to determine how much mining can occur without causing irreparable damage. Factors like water availability, soil stability and biodiversity will be considered.
- Zoning and regulation: The plan will demarcate zones for controlled mining, zones for restoration and areas where mining is banned. It will recommend buffer zones around villages and create guidelines for rehabilitation of mined‑out land.
- Oversight and implementation: The ministry has proposed oversight and implementation committees to monitor the plan. State governments and local panchayats will participate in enforcement.
- Concerns: Environmentalists warn that the 100‑metre threshold may leave smaller hills unprotected and open to quarrying. They urge a moratorium on new mining leases until comprehensive ecological studies are completed.
Significance
- The plan aims to balance economic development with environmental protection in one of India’s oldest mountain ranges.
- By basing decisions on scientific mapping and carrying‑capacity assessments, the government hopes to avoid indiscriminate exploitation.
- The process will test ICFRE’s ability to coordinate research, policy and implementation across multiple states and stakeholders.
- Long‑term conservation of the Aravalli ecosystem is essential for groundwater recharge, climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.
Source: TH
