A significant demonstration unfolded outside the Udaipur district collectorate on Monday, with citizens rallying to voice their alarm over what they perceive as a grave threat to the Aravalli mountain range. The protest, which saw participation from both urban and rural communities, was a direct response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that has sparked widespread concern for the region's ecological future.
Clashes and Arrests Mark the Protest
The peaceful gathering took a tense turn when a scuffle broke out between the police and some of the demonstrators. Following the altercation, law enforcement officials arrested several protesters. The detained individuals were subsequently transported in buses to locations outside the city, a move that has drawn attention to the scale of the police response.
Notably, many of those present at the protest submitted to arrest without resistance. They made it clear that their detention would not silence their cause, vowing to continue their agitation until concrete measures are taken to ensure the security and preservation of the Aravalli ecosystem.
A Movement for Mewar's Lifeline
Monday's event is not an isolated incident but part of a burgeoning grassroots movement sweeping across the Mewar region. The core message of the protesters is that the Aravallis are far more than just a geological formation. For the people of Mewar, the range represents their history, cultural identity, and an indispensable natural shield.
The protest saw prominent political participation, with Fateh Singh Rathod, the city district president of the Congress party, joining a large contingent of party workers. The crowd raised vigorous slogans criticizing both the Rajasthan state government and the Union government for their perceived inaction.
Leaders Voice a Stark Warning
Speaking at the demonstration, Congress leader Fateh Singh Rathod issued a passionate appeal and a stark warning. He emphasized the deep, ancestral connection the local population shares with the hills. "The Supreme Court will have to change its decision on the Aravallis," Rathod stated. He highlighted the range's historical role in protecting the region from natural disasters and underscored the irreversible ecological cost of its destruction. "If the Aravallis are destroyed, wildlife will be finished," he declared, framing the issue as an existential threat to the region's biodiversity.
The protest in Udaipur signals a growing and determined public resolve to defend the Aravallis. It sets the stage for continued civic engagement and potential political pressure, as communities demand that their ecological and cultural lifeline be protected at all costs.
