Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched a sharp critique against the Union government on Monday, challenging its recent move to redefine the Aravalli range and alleging a coordinated effort to weaken environmental safeguards around the ecologically sensitive Sariska Tiger Reserve.
"Misleading" Claims on Aravalli Mining
Gehlot strongly countered Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav's statement that mining would be permitted on only 0.19% of the Aravalli range. The veteran Congress leader labelled this claim as "misleading and completely devoid of facts." He argued that such assurances ring hollow when viewed alongside simultaneous attempts to alter protected boundaries.
The Sariska Land "Exchange" Controversy
Central to Gehlot's attack was the Rajasthan government's 2025 proposal to "rationalise" the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of Sariska. He explained that the originally notified 881 sq km CTH prohibited mining within a one-kilometer radius. The proposed changes, officially termed a land "exchange," were, according to Gehlot, specifically designed to reopen over 50 marble and dolomite mines previously shut down for being too close to the protected zone.
He highlighted the "extraordinary haste" in the approval process:
- The Rajasthan State Wildlife Board cleared the proposal on June 24, 2025.
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority granted approval the very next day, June 25.
- The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife gave its clearance on June 26, 2025.
"A process that normally takes months was wrapped up in just 48 hours," Gehlot stated, noting that the Supreme Court eventually stayed the decision on August 6, 2025.
Alleged Erosion of Independent Oversight
Gehlot also raised concerns about the dilution of independent environmental monitoring. He referenced a September 5, 2023 notification from the Centre that brought the Supreme Court-monitored Central Empowered Committee (CEC) under the administrative control of the Union Environment Ministry. "After this notification, the Centre effectively took control over appointments, weakening the committee's independence," he alleged.
He argued that this move meant the CEC was now acting under ministerial direction rather than functioning as an independent body assisting the Supreme Court.
Rajasthan's Natural Heritage at Stake?
Connecting the dots, Gehlot posed a pointed question: "Who will trust the Union minister's claim that mining will be limited to just 0.19% when both the Centre and the Rajasthan government are repeatedly attempting to dilute protections, even in ecologically sensitive areas?"
He framed the issue as a sequential assault on Rajasthan's environment: "First the Aravalli definition was changed. Now there is an attempt to alter Sariska's protected boundary. Rajasthan will not tolerate such tampering with its natural heritage," Gehlot asserted, setting the stage for a continued political and legal battle over the state's fragile ecosystems.
