India, Nov. 21 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to prepare a district-wise Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) across all states that have the presence of the Aravallis, from Gujarat to Delhi, and barred states from issuing any new mining lease until the plan is finalised.

Environmentalists hailed the order as one of the most significant interventions in recent years, particularly for Gurugram and south Haryana, where illegal mining and land degradation have long threatened the ecology.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai, while expressing concern over the "precarious condition" of the Aravallis, said the plan must be scientifically prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry...