SC stops granting of fresh mining leases, renewals in Aravalis
The Supreme Court stopped the grant of fresh mining leases and renewals in what, according to a Forest Survey of India (FSI) report, constitute the Aravali ranges and hills.
The FSI report defined the Aravallis to include the hills and a uniform 100-metre-wide buffer zone around the downsides of the hills.
Until further orders, though all States wherein the Aravalli ranges are situated will be at liberty to consider and process applications for grant of mining leases and renewals thereof, no annual permission shall be granted for mining in the Aravali hills and ranges as defined in the FSI report
The court said its order should not be construed as a ban on legal mining activities carried out through valid permits and licences.
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