Gandhinagar: Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Arjunbhai Modhwadia has reaffirmed the state government’s firm resolve to conserve the Aravalli Hills while ensuring sustainable development. He stated that the Gujarat government is fully committed to protecting forest areas and environmentally sensitive regions across the state.

The Minister emphasized that the state government has never permitted mining activities in the Aravalli mountain range and its forest areas spread across various districts of Gujarat. He further clarified that mining will not be allowed in the Aravalli region in the future either.

Modhwadia added that, in compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court, the Gujarat government is implementing all provisions related to the new definition and conservation framework of the Aravalli Hills. Under this definition, all landforms rising 100 metres or more above the local ground level are classified as ‘mountains’ to eliminate any legal ambiguity. Additionally, areas up to 500 metres between two or more such mountains will also be considered part of the Aravalli range.

The Minister further clarified that mining activities will be completely banned in ‘core and inviolate’ zones, including protected areas, eco-sensitive zones, reserve forests, wetlands, and CAMPA plantation sites across the state. He stated that the government’s primary objective is to balance development with environmental protection, ensuring a safe and green Gujarat for future generations. Highlighting the ecological significance of the Aravalli range, he said it is not merely a geological formation but a vital natural barrier against desertification and plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge.

Referring to the Aravalli Green Wall Project, Modhwadia informed that a total forest area of 3,25,511 hectares across the districts of Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Banaskantha, Mehsana, Mahisagar, Dahod, and Panchmahal has been brought under the project. During the year 2025–26, approximately 86.84 lakh saplings of native species were planted over 4,426 hectares to enhance green cover.

He also noted that invasive plant species such as Ganda Acacia and Lantana have been removed from an area of 150 hectares. In the next phase, during 2026–27, plantation and conservation activities will be undertaken over an additional 4,890 hectares under the project, the Minister added. DeshGujarat