NEW DELHI,21 Jan 2026 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Rajasthan Government to immediately stop the illegal mining on the Aravalli range of hills.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant asked the Centre, the amicus curiae and other parties to suggest names of environmentalists, scientists and mining experts within four weeks, stating that it will function under its direction and supervision.
The Court paused its earlier definition that excluded lower hills (under 100m), fearing it would weaken protection and allow harmful activities like mining, with the new committee tasked to assess long-term ecological impacts and suggest a robust definition.
It continued the stay on its November 2025 judgment, keeping previous interim directions in force.
In November 2025 ruling, the Court had accepted a definition classifying Aravalli Hills as landforms 100m or higher, banning new mining leases.
Concerns emerged that this definition was too restrictive and could exclude significant hill areas, leading to environmental harm.
The Court took suo motu (on its own) cognizance, putting the definition on hold for review.
The ruling aims to balance environmental protection with sustainable development in the vital Aravalli range, a crucial “green barrier”.
The Court said the expert committee it seeks to set up will help establish a more comprehensive and scientifically sound definition for conservation.
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