New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ruled against a complete prohibition on mining in the Aravallis for now, making it clear that imposition of a full ban in the area could lead to illegal mining, creation of landmining mafia and criminalisation.

The three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R.Gavai, however, barred grant of new mining leases.

The bench also made it clear that mining activities would still be prohibited in protected areas, including wildlife sanctuaries, tiger corridors, and economically sensitive zones. The lone exception would be made in cases of critical, strategic and atomic minerals. Show Full Article

Undisputedly, the Aravalli Hills and Ranges exhibit ecological fragility, and include significant biodiversity, the court said, adding that the hills act

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