Table Of Contents

Aravalli Hills

The Aravalli Hills, an ancient ecological lifeline stretching across northwest India, have long been at the center of a fierce battle between conservation and exploitation.

Despite Supreme Court bans and restrictions on mining, illegal operations persist, driven by powerful interests.

As of early 2026, following public outcry and the Supreme Court’s decision to stay its own November 2025 order redefining the range (which critics feared would open vast areas to mining), the hills remain heavily protected on paper, but threats continue.

So, who stands to gain from mining these fragile hills?

The interests are multifaceted, involving illegal operators, the construction boom, and economic pressures, often shielded by allegations of political collusion.

The Mining Mafia And Illegal Operators

Much of the mining in the Aravallis is illegal, orchestrated by what authorities and politicians term the “mining mafia.”

These networks include local strongmen, crusher owners, and operators who extract stones, minerals, and aggregates despite bans.

Recent reports highlight thousands of FIRs for illegal mining in Rajasthan’s Aravalli districts alone, with operations continuing under alleged political protection.

Bribes, collusion with officials, and even illegal infrastructure like roads built to facilitate extraction have been exposed in chargesheets and investigations.

These groups profit directly from selling mined materials on the black market, often evading penalties through influence and loopholes in enforcement.

The Construction And Real Estate Sector

The primary demand fueling Aravalli mining comes from the booming construction industry in the Delhi-NCR region and beyond.

Stones, gravel, and other aggregates extracted from the hills are essential for building roads, homes, and infrastructure.

Real estate developers and builders indirectly benefit, as cheap, locally sourced materials keep costs low amid rapid urbanization.

Critics argue that powerful lobbies in the construction sector push for relaxed regulations, viewing the Aravallis as a convenient resource rather than an irreplaceable ecosystem.

Economic And Political Interests

Mining provides jobs, revenue through royalties (where legal), and supports related industries like cement production.

Some stakeholders, including mining associations and local economies in Rajasthan and Haryana, advocate for regulated mining, claiming it balances development needs.

Allegations of political involvement are common, with opposition parties accusing ruling governments of looking the other way or redefining boundaries to favor certain interests.

Influential local politicians and brokers are often cited as enablers, profiting through leases or protection rackets.

The Ongoing Legal Battle And Pushback

The Supreme Court’s repeated interventions, banning new leases, staying redefinitions, and forming expert committees, reflect efforts to curb these interests.

Environmentalists, activists, and tribal communities protest vehemently, highlighting how mining destroys biodiversity, groundwater, and the desert barrier function.

A Question Of Priorities

Those interested in mining the Aravallis, primarily illegal operators, the construction sector, and short-term economic beneficiaries, prioritize profit and growth.

However, the long-term costs to ecology, water security, and climate resilience far outweigh these gains.

With the Supreme Court revisiting definitions as recently as late 2025, stricter enforcement and sustainable alternatives are crucial to protect this vital range from vested interests.

The real question: Will short-term profits continue to trump the future of northwest India’s environment?