New Delhi, Zoom Chronicle News: Union Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav clarified on Sunday that the government has not relaxed protections for the Aravalli hills. He dismissed reports claiming the Centre diluted safeguards. Yadav emphasized that nearly 90% of the Aravalli landscape remains protected. He also warned that false information about a “100-metre definition” circulated widely online and in media outlets.
Aravalli Protections and Mining Rules
The Aravalli range spans four states: Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Yadav stated that a petition regarding the Aravalli’s has been pending in court since 1985. He explained that the 100 meters refers to the vertical spread of the hills from top to bottom, including gaps between ranges. With this interpretation, 90% of the area is fully protected. Furthermore, mining will remain strictly regulated, with only 217 sq km, or 2% of the total 1.47 lakh sq km area, eligible for extraction. The Supreme Court also requires a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining and approval from ICFRE before any mining begins. Mining in the Delhi Aravalli is completely prohibited.
Opposition Concerns and Environmental Impact
Several opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, criticized the Supreme Court ruling. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav warned that protecting the Aravalli’s is crucial for Delhi’s ecological balance. He called the range a natural shield for the NCR region and noted that degradation could worsen air pollution, biodiversity loss, and extreme temperatures. Moreover, he stressed that residents’ health and the medical services sector could face severe challenges if protections weaken.
Government Initiatives and Public Assurance
The government has run the Green Aravalli programmed for the past two years. Yadav reassured citizens that all protected areas and forest reserves will remain intact. Additionally, he emphasized the administration’s commitment to preserving one of India’s oldest mountain ranges, which formed over 3.2 billion years ago. He urged citizens to rely on accurate information and stay aware of the ecological significance of the Aravalli.
