Residents of Jaipur staged a silent demonstration on Thursday, expressing deep concern over the future of the ecologically critical Aravalli hill range. The gathering at Central Park saw citizens holding placards to oppose the government's approach and highlight issues with a recent Supreme Court order they fear leaves the mountains vulnerable.
Silent Protest Draws Widespread Support
The peaceful protest was spearheaded by G S Bapna, the secretary of Bharat Sewa Sansthan and a former advocate general of Rajasthan. A significant number of morning walkers and park visitors at Central Park showed their support for the cause. Many joined the demonstrators by picking up placards, while others voiced their solidarity with the environmental mission.
Why a Mining Lease Halt Isn't Enough
During discussions at the protest site, some participants mentioned the Union government's announcement about halting new mining leases. In response, Bapna clarified that such a move would have limited impact unless the Supreme Court amends its November 20 order. He stressed the need for the order to explicitly recognize the entire Aravalli hill chain as a protected ecosystem. Without this crucial legal clarification, Bapna warned, the region would remain open to continued degradation and exploitation.
The High Stakes: Lifeline of Four States at Risk
Bapna elaborated on the indispensable role of the Aravallis, describing them as the lifeline for Rajasthan and three other states. He emphasized their critical function in sustaining water resources, forests, biodiversity, and the overall ecological balance. The veteran legal expert cautioned that unchecked mining would lead to catastrophic losses beyond just natural ecosystems.
The damage would extend to:
- Wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
- Popular tourism and heritage sites.
- Ancient temples, forts, and historic landscapes embedded within the mountain range.
Bapna revealed a startling statistic: nearly 20% of the Aravalli hills have already been destroyed due to mining activities. He issued a grave warning that if mining intensifies further, the Aravallis could suffer irreversible damage, potentially leading to their eventual disappearance from the landscape.
Concluding with a powerful message for the future, Bapna stated, "Future generations, especially Gen Z and those to come after them, will never forgive us if we fail to protect the Aravallis today." The protest in Jaipur stands as a civic call to action for stronger legal safeguards to preserve this ancient and vital natural heritage.
