BJP Legislator Sounds Alarm Over Industrial Blasting Damage to Chittorgarh Fort
During the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly's Budget debate on Friday, BJP MLA Vishvaraj Singh Mewar issued a stark warning regarding the preservation of the state's cultural heritage. The legislator from Mewar raised serious concerns, alleging that ongoing industrial blasting activities are directly causing structural cracks and damage to the historic Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate and one of India's largest hill forts.
Heritage Preservation Takes Center Stage in Budget Discussion
Participating actively in the budgetary discussions, Singh emphasized that Rajasthan's global reputation rests fundamentally on its rich cultural legacy, historical significance, and glorious traditions. He articulated a compelling argument for prioritizing heritage conservation, stating unequivocally that every city and region possesses a unique identity that must be protected for future generations.
"Every city has its own distinct identity. We have a solemn responsibility to protect and preserve that identity against all threats," the MLA declared during his assembly address. His comments highlighted growing anxiety among conservationists and historians about industrial expansion encroaching upon archaeological treasures.
Environmental Concerns Extend Beyond Historical Monuments
The legislator's concerns extended beyond architectural heritage to encompass broader environmental degradation. Singh specifically urged the state government to implement concrete, actionable measures to protect the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Range, which serves as a crucial natural barrier against desertification in northwestern India.
"Serious, sustained efforts are absolutely required to save the Aravallis from further destruction. The rampant illegal mining operations must be stopped immediately through stringent enforcement," Singh asserted during his speech. He pointed to specific areas of concern, noting that hills are being extensively cut in the Nathdwara region, warranting immediate governmental attention.
Call for Comprehensive Investigation Into Mining Activities
The BJP representative went further to demand a thorough, transparent investigation into illegal mining operations across Rajasthan. He connected environmental protection directly to human welfare, advocating for a fundamental shift in how society approaches natural resource management.
"There should be a comprehensive, impartial probe into all illegal mining activities. More importantly, we need to fundamentally change our collective mindset toward environmental stewardship. The environment sustains all life — we have an ethical obligation to protect it," Singh emphasized, linking heritage conservation with broader ecological sustainability.
His intervention during the Budget debate signals increasing political attention to balancing industrial development with cultural and environmental preservation in Rajasthan, a state where tourism contributes significantly to the economy and where historical sites like Chittorgarh Fort attract millions of visitors annually.
