New Delhi: A sharp political confrontation has erupted over the protection of the ecologically sensitive Aravali range, following a recent Supreme Court order. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday forcefully rejected allegations from the Congress party that over 90% of the Aravalis would be left unprotected under a definition accepted by the apex court.
Political Slugfest Over Aravali Definition
The controversy centres on the Supreme Court's November 20 judgment, which accepted a uniform definition for the Aravalis that includes a 100-metre height threshold to prohibit mining. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that this criterion would leave the majority of the hills vulnerable. "If we take all Aravali hills identified by FSI, not even 1% exceeds 100 metres," Ramesh posted on X, arguing that height limits were "dubious" and the entire range should be protected irrespective of elevation.
Minister Yadav, however, dismissed these claims, stating the opposition leaders were "rattled" because the Centre has issued a total ban on mining in the Aravalis from Gujarat to Delhi. He emphasized his ministry's intent to protect the entire mountain range in sync with the Supreme Court's directions.
FSI Clarification and Counter-Allegations
At the heart of the dispute is the role of the Forest Survey of India (FSI). The FSI had, two days prior to the minister's statement, issued a categorical denial. It refuted claims that it conducted any study showing 90% of the Aravali hills would be unprotected post the SC order. Yadav flagged this FSI clarification to counter Ramesh's accusation.
The minister also turned the tables politically, referencing media reports on alleged illegal mining in Rajasthan during the tenure of former Congress Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. "Maybe your ‘environmentalist hat' would be credible if you questioned your party colleague Ashok Gehlot about who destroyed the Aravalis," Yadav posted in his retort.
Escalating War of Words on Social Media
The exchange on X quickly escalated. Jairam Ramesh not only countered Yadav but also questioned the independence of the FSI itself. He alleged that the FSI, now under the additional charge of the ministry's ADG, would say "whatever the minister wants." Ramesh claimed an internal FSI assessment had warned the ministry and challenged the minister to ask the FSI to conduct a formal study on the elevation of hills across 15 Rajasthan districts.
In a firm rebuttal, Bhupender Yadav asserted, "We will not allow you, Mr Gehlot or anyone else in your party to plunder the sacred Aravali range ever again. Will continue to work for the restoration of what your party has ravaged." This ongoing spat highlights the deep political divisions surrounding environmental regulation and the critical issue of protecting the fragile Aravali ecosystem from mining and real estate pressures.
