Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday claimed that the redefining of the Aravalli Hills is only meant to prevent illegal mining in the area and added that the Narendra Modi government remains committed to protecting and restoring the mountain range, PTI reported.
Yadav said that mining remains prohibited in the National Capital Region.
The 700-km Aravalli mountain range stretches diagonally from southwest Gujarat, through Rajasthan to Delhi and Haryana. Its highest point is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, which rises to an elevation of 1,722 metres.
Under the new definition that has been accepted by the Supreme Court, an Aravalli hill is any landform that rises at least 100 metres above the surrounding terrain. An Aravalli range is formed by two or more such hills located within 500 metres of each other, including the land between them.
However, environmentalists have warned that defining the Aravallis solely by their height could leave many lower, scrub-covered but ecologically important hills vulnerable to mining and construction. Experts say these smaller hills are crucial for preventing desertification, recharging groundwater and supporting local livelihoods.
On Monday, Yadav said that the new definition was designed to allow “sustainable mining legally”. He said that no new mining leases will be granted until a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining is finalised.
Only 0.19% of the entire Aravalli area can potentially be mined, Yadav added.
He said that the Congress was spreading misinformation and lies on the matter.
“The Congress, which allowed rampant illegal mining in Rajasthan during its tenure, is spreading confusion, misinformation and lies about the issue,” PTI quoted the minister as having alleged.
The Congress has criticised the new definition, saying that the changes could have devastating ecological consequences for the region, ANI reported.
Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the government of jeopardising the ecological balance of the National Capital Region and other nearby areas.
“If the new order on the Aravallis is implemented, the ecological balance of this entire region, several states, or half of Hindustan will be destroyed,” he said.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot also expressed concerns and asked “what will we leave behind for our future generations” if we allow illegal mining to continue, ANI reported.
Also read: The slow destruction of Delhi’s forgotten spine
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