The Supreme Court has issued a significant directive to Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, instructing them to refrain from granting any new mining permissions in the Aravalli region until further notice.

While emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the environment and considering the livelihoods of individuals involved in mining, the court emphasized that its directive should not be interpreted as a suspension of ongoing mining activities in the Aravalli range that possess valid permits and licenses.

The Haryana government had petitioned the Supreme Court for permission to initiate mining operations in the Aravallis, located in Gurugram and Faridabad.

A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and A S Oka stated that all states encompassing the Aravalli range are permitted to evaluate and proceed with applications and renewals for the issuance of mining leases. However, they are prohibited from granting final permission without prior approval from the court.

The bench highlighted the significant problem of illegal mining in the Aravallis and noted the discrepancy in definitions of the Aravalli hills and range across different states.

The bench noted that a report submitted by the Central Empowered Committee had highlighted numerous instances of illegal mining activities occurring throughout the state of Rajasthan, providing district-wise specifics.

"We believe that the issue related to mining activities in the Aravalli Hills needs to be jointly addressed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as well as all the four states," the bench said. 

The court further directed the establishment of a committee tasked with formulating a standardized definition of the Aravalli Hills and range. Comprising the secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, forest secretaries from the four states, and representatives from the Forest Survey of India and the Central Empowered Committee, this panel has been instructed to submit its report within a two-month timeframe.

The bench clarified that ongoing mining operations will continue uninterrupted, and existing auction processes will proceed without disruption. Additionally, the order will not impact sand mining activities in Rajasthan; its scope is solely limited to mining within the Aravalli Range.

The bench emphasized that numerous laborers rely on mining for their livelihoods, highlighting the potential adverse impact a ban could have on them. The directives, it asserted, aim to strike a balance between fostering development and ensuring environmental protection.