The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered an immediate halt to all mining in the Aravalli Hills, insisting that the status quo be maintained until federal authorities and environmental experts finalise the boundaries of the ecologically sensitive zone.
The court stressed that the region, which spans Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, supports biodiversity, recharges groundwater, and regulates climate across northern India.
Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed pre-existing mining permissions, stating, "All permission is no permission… we say stop mining in Aravalli, and you stop!"
He emphasised that experts must first determine which areas qualify as part of the hills and whether mining can be allowed, and if so, to what extent. The Chief Justice noted wryly that Jaipur city and even the Supreme Court itself are located in the Aravalli Hills.
The court highlighted that mining activity has already halted, but clarified that this status must continue until preliminary questions are resolved. In January, the court had flagged illegal mining in Rajasthan and directed the BJP-led state government to prevent unlawful extraction.
Amicus curiae K Parameshwar submitted notes on potential issues, prompting the court to seek suggestions from the federal government and senior counsels for experts to form a committee to assess the situation.
The Aravalli Hills case intensified after the government narrowed the range’s official definition, creating confusion across states and leading to illegal mining operations in December. In response, the court stayed its earlier acceptance of the government’s definition and refused any requests related to a proposed Aravalli Zoo Safari project in Haryana, reiterating that no activity will be permitted in the hills at this stage.
The Supreme Court underscored the need for clarity on critical ambiguities, including elevation criteria and gaps between hills, before determining environmental protections.