In a powerful act of symbolic dissent, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot changed his profile picture across social media platforms on Thursday to signal his solidarity with the growing #SaveAravalli movement. This digital protest targets a recent Supreme Court ruling that has sparked widespread environmental concern.
A Controversial Redefinition of a Natural Heritage
The flashpoint for this protest is a Supreme Court order from November 20, which accepted a definition of the Aravalli range proposed by the Central government. This new legal definition states that hills in the Aravalli range with an elevation of less than 100 metres will no longer be protected under strict anti-mining regulations. This move has alarmed environmentalists and politicians alike, who fear it opens the door to unchecked exploitation of the fragile ecosystem.
Gehlot, through his action and subsequent statements, made a fervent appeal to both the Centre and the Supreme Court to reconsider this topographical definition. He argued that the value of the Aravallis cannot and should not be measured by a "tape measure or height." Instead, he insisted any definition must be rooted in the range's profound ecological impact and scientific continuity.
Ecological Lungs of the North Under Threat
The veteran Congress leader framed the issue as a dire threat to the environmental future of northern India. He described the Aravallis as the essential "lungs" for the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas, playing a critical role in mitigating pollution and halting destructive dust storms from the Thar Desert. "Its small hills are as important as its tall peaks," Gehlot asserted, emphasizing that the range functions as an interconnected, continuous chain where every part is vital.
Gehlot expressed deep concern that the new definition jeopardizes the very existence of this ancient mountain range and called upon the public to join the movement. He encouraged people to show their support by similarly changing their social media profile pictures, amplifying the campaign's visibility and pressure.
Opposition Voices Unite in Criticism
The criticism of the government's stance was not limited to Gehlot. Leader of the Opposition in Rajasthan, Tikaram Jully, launched a sharp attack on the Central government, singling out Union Forest and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. Jully termed the situation "democracy's biggest irony," accusing those entrusted with environmental protection of scripting its destruction.
Jully further clarified the non-partisan nature of the cause, stating that the fight to save the Aravallis is a social duty, not a political action. He stressed it is a necessary struggle to secure the ecological future of the state for generations to come.
The #SaveAravalli campaign, now bolstered by high-profile political support, highlights a critical clash between developmental definitions and holistic environmental conservation. The coming days will reveal whether this public and political pressure can influence a reconsideration of the ruling that many believe places a priceless natural heritage in peril.
