Senior Congress leader and former Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh launched a sharp attack on the Modi government on Tuesday, accusing it of misleading the public and pushing a dangerous redefinition of the ecologically critical Aravalli Hills.
Allegations of Misleading the Public and Flawed Policy
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Ramesh asserted that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change was being "economical with the truth" regarding the Aravalli issue. He claimed the government's proposed redefinition has been "clearly and compellingly opposed" by key statutory and judicial bodies. These include the Forest Survey of India, the Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC), and the court's own amicus curiae.
"Why is the Modi Govt pushing through a fatally flawed redefinition of the Aravallis?" Ramesh questioned in his tweet. Speaking to the media, the Congress MP went further, alleging the government was attempting to "sell the Aravalli Hills instead of saving them."
The Core Conflict: Mining, Real Estate, and Environmental Impact
Ramesh argued that altering the definition of what constitutes the Aravalli region would open the floodgates for increased mining and real estate development. This, he warned, would severely aggravate pollution levels, especially in and around the National Capital Region (NCR).
His criticism came as a direct response to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav's clarification. Yadav had stated that only 0.19 per cent, or roughly 277 square kilometres, of the total 1.44 lakh square kilometres of the Aravalli range would be permitted for mining.
Ramesh strongly questioned the government's figures, calling the assessment opaque. "On what basis have they decided the 0.19 per cent of the Aravalli Hills? That 0.19 per cent means 68,000 acres of land," he stated. He dismissed the government's stance as a "game of figures," stressing that the environment should not be subjected to such numerical manipulation.
Legal Challenge and Government's Stance
The Congress leader announced a decisive next step: he will approach the Supreme Court in January to challenge the government's move and seek judicial intervention to protect the fragile ecosystem. The Aravalli range spans across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi.
Meanwhile, the Union environment ministry issued a detailed clarification. It stated that no new mining leases would be permitted until a comprehensive study is conducted, in line with the Supreme Court's order dated November 20.
Environmental experts have consistently warned about the dire consequences of degrading the ancient Aravalli mountain system. It acts as a vital natural barrier against desertification, is the source of major rivers like the Chambal and Sabarmati, and plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture, livelihoods, and regional rainfall patterns. The ongoing debate underscores the critical tension between environmental conservation and developmental pressures in one of India's most vital ecological zones.
