NEW DELHI, Dec. 22 -- The Centre on Monday sought to calm fears of ecological damage to the Aravalli hills, insisting there is no imminent threat to the region and that mining will remain tightly regulated, with no new licences issued until a comprehensive sustainability study is completed.

Union environment minister Bhupendra Yadav said the government's approach rests on continued afforestation, eco-sensitive zone notifications and strict scrutiny of any mining activity to ensure the Aravallis remain a natural heritage and a critical ecological shield.

His remarks come amid controversy over a Supreme Court order dated 20 November on the definition and protection of the Aravalli Range, which has sparked debate over mining and the extent...