###trategic Push for Sustainable Aravalli Mining
Experts Call for Scientific Definition and Balanced Approach
Udaipur:A significant initiative focusing on the conservation of the Aravalli hills its scientific definition, and balanced mining practices was undertaken during a technical lecture organized by the Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI), Rajasthan Chapter, Udaipur. The session, held at UCCI in Mewar Industrial Area, centered on the theme “Strategic Pathways for Sustainable Mining in the Aravalli Region: A National Perspective.”
The keynote speaker, former Professor of Mining Engineering Dr. Govind Singh Bhardwaj, presented an in-depth analysis of geological, economic, environmental, and policy-related aspects of mining in the Aravalli region. He highlighted that the Aravalli range, approximately 2 billion years old, is among the world’s oldest mountain systems, stretching nearly 670 km across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. Rich in minerals such as lead, zinc, copper, marble, granite, and limestone, the region plays a crucial role in India’s mineral economy.
Dr. Bhardwaj emphasized that the Aravalli contributes significantly to national mineral output, including 100% of zinc production and major shares in lead, silver, gypsum, and marble, accounting for nearly 16% of the country’s mineral value. In Rajasthan alone, the mining sector generates an annual output of around ₹23,869 crore and provides employment to nearly 30 lakh people, contributing about 4.4% to the state’s GDP.
He clarified that mining is not merely an industrial activity but a backbone of rural and tribal economies. A complete ban on mining, he noted, would lead to job losses, increased imports, and illegal mining, while unregulated mining would intensify environmental damage—making a balanced and scientific approach essential.
Addressing current challenges, he pointed out issues such as complex geological structures, environmental clearances, legal complexities, misconceptions about mining, unscientific practices in certain areas, and inadequate rehabilitation measures. Notably, only 0.54% of Rajasthan’s total land area is under mining.
The Aravalli region was described as environmentally sensitive, playing a vital role in preventing desertification, recharging groundwater, and preserving biodiversity. Referring to a recent Supreme Court direction (November 2025), Dr. Bhardwaj noted that a uniform definition of the Aravalli has been accepted, along with directives to formulate a sustainable mining management plan. He highlighted the gap between “geological Aravalli” and “legal Aravalli” as a key policy challenge.
The central message of the session was clear: the goal is not to halt mining in the Aravalli but to eliminate unscientific practices and promote scientifically regulated mining.
Concluding the session, MEAI Secretary Asif Ansari stressed that issues related to the Aravalli extend beyond environmental conservation to include employment generation, mineral utilization, and regional development. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach integrating all these aspects. The proposal presented by MEAI aims to provide scientific and objective inputs to the judiciary, supporting informed decision-making aligned with environmental protection and sustainable development.
It was also informed that on March 10, the association submitted a detailed letter to the learned Amicus Curiae in connection with the ongoing Supreme Court matter titled “Definition of Aravalli Hills and Related Issues” (Suo Motu Writ Petition Civil No. 10/2025). The organization offered its technical expertise in mining, geology, environment, and regulatory domains and proposed the inclusion of Dr. Hitanshu Kaushal as an expert member in the high-level committee.
The event also featured Holi Milan and Eid Milan celebrations, fostering community bonding. Around 70 participants, including mining experts, academicians, industry representatives, and administrative officials such as A.K. Kothari, P.R. Ameta, Hitanshu Kaushal, Maqbool Ahmed, M.S. Paliwal, and Y.C. Gupta, attended the program.
The session was conducted by Joint Secretary Dr. Hitanshu Kaushal, who also introduced the keynote speaker. The speaker was welcomed by Arun Kumar Kothari, former President of MEAI, and Asif M. Ansari, Secretary, MEAI Udaipur.
The initiative marks a crucial step toward aligning environmental conservation with responsible mining practices in the Aravalli region for future generations.
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