New Delhi/IBNS, May 10 -- In a significant direction, the Supreme Court Wednesday asked Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to not give any new mining permissions in the Aravallis until further orders.

Attempting to strike a balance between protecting the environment and the livelihood of the people engaged in mining activities, the court stressed that its order will not in any way be construed as a stay on mining already being carried out in the range with valid permits and licences.

The Haryana government had sought the Supreme Courts approval to begin mining in the Aravallis in Gurugram and Faridabad.

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and A S Oka said all states home to the Aravalli range will be free to consider and process applicat...