UPSC-Relevant News Items

1. Minister confirms mining only in 0.19% of Aravalli post detailed study

Page: 7

Summary:

• • Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav clarified that mining would be allowed in only 0.19% (277 sq km) of the Aravalli hills, and no new leases would be granted pending a detailed study.
• • The existing mining leases cover 277.89 sq km across 37 districts, with the majority (247.21 sq km) located in Rajasthan, followed by Gujarat and Haryana.
• • The new definition of Aravalli refers to any landform at an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief, aiming to restrict mining activities to non-critical areas.

Additional Facts:

• • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) utilizes powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, as the nodal institutional mechanism to define sensitive ecological zones and enforce spatial restrictions on industrial activities like mining.
• • The Union government regulates inter-state mining activities by imposing policy definitions (e.g., 100-metre elevation minimum) for ecologically sensitive landforms, ensuring restrictions are applied prior to granting leases under the MMDR Act.

Linkage with UPSC course:

• • GS Mains (GS-1):
• • • Important Geophysical Phenomena
• • • Major Physiographic Divisions (Aravalli Range)

---