The National Green Tribunal issued fresh directions on 8 September 2026 to curb illegal sand mining in Rajasthan's Aravalli region, ordering surprise inspections and stricter compliance with existing guidelines.

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• The National Green Tribunal passed a series of directions on 8 September 2026 targeting illegal mining in the Aravalli region of Rajasthan.
• The tribunal directed the Department of Mines and Geology to ensure compliance with the Enforcement and Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining, 2020.
• It also required adherence to the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016, which govern scientific extraction practices nationwide.
• The order mandates that transit operations and machinery use in sand mining strictly follow the conditions imposed under environmental clearance.
• The District Level Committee formed to control illegal mining must now conduct regular surprise visits within its territorial jurisdiction.
• The committee has been directed to submit periodical reports to the district collector for necessary action under applicable rules.
• Project proponents and miners must periodically submit compliance reports to the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board.
• The NGT directed that public pathways must not be damaged and that village residents' regular use of these pathways must not be obstructed.
• Environmental deficiencies identified by a joint inspection committee must be addressed, including plantation and boundary demarcation as required by rules.
• The mining department was ordered to provide land for plantation and ensure it is carried out within two months, in line with environmental clearance conditions.
• The order builds on a long line of NGT directions on Aravalli mining, following earlier tribunal action against illegal waste kilns and unauthorised mining activity in the same range.
• The Aravalli Hills, spanning Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Gujarat, are one of the world's oldest mountain ranges and face sustained ecological pressure from illegal mining and quarrying.