The Centre on Sunday (December 21, 2025) rejected reports that the definition of the Aravalli hills had been changed to allow large-scale mining, and cited a Supreme Court-ordered freeze on new mining leases in the region. Also Read | Citizens’ report highlights illegal waste dumping and burning in AravalisThe sources said all four states agreed to adopt this long-standing Rajasthan definition, along with additional safeguards to make it objective and transparent. It said it is “incorrect to conclude” that all landforms below 100 metres are open for mining. Existing mines may continue operations only if they strictly comply with sustainable mining norms laid down by the committee. Delhi, which has five Aravalli districts, does not permit any mining.

Source: The Hindu December 21, 2025 13:45 UTC