Government has said that there is no imminent threat to the Aravallis’ ecology. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that ongoing afforestation, eco-sensitive zone notifications, and strict monitoring of mining and urban activities ensure that the Aravallis continue to serve as a natural heritage and ecological shield for the nation. 

 

Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav has said that the Supreme Court’s 100-metre ruling is being misinterpreted. Addressing a press conference, he urged citizens to stop spreading misinformation regarding Aravalli. The Minister said that the total area of Aravallis is 1 lakh 47 thousand square kilometres, and mining is allowed only in 0.19% of the range. Mr Yadav said, as per the apex court ruling, 90% of the Aravalli area comes under the protected zone, and there are no relaxations in this regard. Aravalli range spreads across four states of the country, including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. 

 

Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav also stressed that no mining is allowed in Delhi’s Aravalli Hills. Supreme Court recently accepted the recommendations by a committee of Ministry of Environment on the definition of the Aravalli Hill Ranges, which mentioned that hills lower than 100 metres will no longer be recognised as part of the ancient hills.