Context

The Supreme Court’s definition of the Aravalli range has significant implications for mining permissions in Rajasthan and Haryana. This is a continuation of coverage from the January 2026 edition.

Key Facts

  • 2018 CEC report: 25% of the Aravallis in Rajasthan lost to illegal mining since 1967-68
  • The SC definition determines which areas fall under protected Aravalli zones and are therefore off-limits for mining and construction
  • Mining lobbies have contested the geographical extent of the Aravallis to exclude commercially valuable tracts from protection

Why It Matters

  • The Aravallis are one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, stretching from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Delhi and Haryana
  • They serve as a critical barrier against Thar Desert expansion into the Indo-Gangetic plains
  • Illegal mining has caused groundwater depletion, dust pollution, and loss of biodiversity in the region
  • The SC definition has implications for real estate, mining leases, and urban expansion in the National Capital Region (NCR)

UPSC Angle

  • GS3: Environment, mining regulation, biodiversity
  • GS2: Judiciary, environmental governance, SC directives

Sources: Down to Earth, CSE