More Than 1,200 Mining Leases Still Dot Rajasthan’s Fragile Aravalis Despite Legal Battles
Over 1,230 mining leases—most of them embroiled in legal disputes—continue to exist across Rajasthan’s Aravali mountain range, raising serious concerns about environmental protection and regulatory...
Over 1,230 mining leases—most of them embroiled in legal disputes—continue to exist across Rajasthan’s Aravali mountain range, raising serious concerns about environmental protection and regulatory enforcement in one of the world’s oldest geological systems. Official data shows these leases together span nearly 17,393 hectares within the Aravali region, underscoring the scale of mining pressure on the ecologically sensitive hills.
Leases Caught in Legal Limbo
A senior official from Rajasthan’s mining department confirmed that the majority of mining leases in the Aravalis are currently under litigation and pending before various courts.
“Several mines have been shut due to legal orders, while others continue operations under existing permissions,” the official said, indicating a patchwork of enforcement driven largely by court rulings rather than a uniform policy.
This legal uncertainty has allowed mining activity to persist in multiple pockets of the Aravali belt, even as concerns over environmental damage intensify.
Centre Steps In After Public Outcry
The issue gained renewed attention after the Rajasthan mining department explored leasing out additional pits in the Aravalis. The proposal triggered widespread criticism, particularly following a controversial attempt to introduce a “new definition” of the Aravali range—an idea many feared would dilute environmental safeguards.
In response to the backlash, the Union government imposed a blanket ban on granting new mining leases in the Aravali range. The Supreme Court also took suo motu cognisance of the concerns surrounding the definition of the Aravalis, reinforcing judicial scrutiny over the matter.
However, official sources clarified that notifications issued in November 2025 for 126 new mining leases complicate the picture. Of these, 50 leases fall within districts considered part of the Aravali region, while 76 are outside, raising questions about boundary demarcation and regulatory oversight.
Districts with the Heaviest Mining Load
District-wise figures highlight how deeply mining activity has penetrated the Aravali belt in Rajasthan:
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Rajsamand alone accounts for over 540 mining leases, the highest concentration in the region.
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Udaipur follows with 162 leases, while Jaipur has 139.
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Alwar, Sirohi, and Bhilwara together host more than 250 leases.
Environmental experts say this concentration has placed immense stress on local ecosystems, groundwater systems, and forest cover.
Environmental Damage Already Visible
Mining expert Pradeep Singh warned that the Centre’s ban on new leases does not apply retrospectively, allowing hundreds of existing leases—particularly in Rajasthan—to continue operating.
“In many active mining zones, the damage is clearly visible and, in some cases, irreversible,” Singh said. He pointed to hollowed-out hills, thinning forests, and disrupted natural drainage systems as long-term consequences of unchecked extraction.
Mining Beyond the Aravalis
The Aravali issue is part of a much larger mining footprint in Rajasthan. According to official data, the state currently has 16,116 mining leases, of which around 10,060 are operational, along with nearly 18,000 quarry licences.
Mining analyst Kishore Kumawat noted that even within the Aravalis, the area affected by mining varies significantly by district. Udaipur tops the list with 6,084 hectares under mining, followed by Sojat (2,575.4 hectares), Bhilwara (1,229 hectares), and Rajsamand (nearly 800 hectares).
Why the Aravalis Matter
Stretching across western and northwestern India, the Aravali range plays a critical role in regulating climate, preventing desertification, recharging groundwater, and supporting biodiversity. Environmentalists argue that continued mining—especially amid legal ambiguity—undermines these functions and poses long-term risks to water security and livelihoods.
As court cases continue and policy debates evolve, experts say the challenge lies in balancing economic interests with ecological survival. The fate of Rajasthan’s Aravalis, they warn, could become a defining test of India’s commitment to protecting its most ancient natural heritage.