Despite these objections, he alleged, the government is pushing ahead with changes that could seriously harm the environment.
Congress questions centre’s ‘New Aravalli Definition’
New Delhi: Protests are continuing across Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi over the Centre’s proposed redefinition of the Aravalli hill range, as the Congress on Wednesday accused the government of misleading the public and weakening environmental safeguards.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the Centre’s intentions, asking, “For whose benefit is the government insisting on a completely incorrect definition of the Aravalli?” He raised the issue on social media platform X, claiming that the new definition has already been rejected by key expert institutions.
Experts’ Objections Ignored, Says Congress
Ramesh said that bodies such as the Indian Forest Survey, the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee, and the Supreme Court’s amicus curiae have opposed the revised definition. Despite these objections, he alleged, the government is pushing ahead with changes that could seriously harm the environment.
The Congress warned that ignoring scientific and legal advice could put one of India’s oldest mountain ranges at risk.
‘For Whose Benefit?’ Congress Questions Centre
The party has demanded an explanation from the government on why it is redefining the Aravalli range. According to Congress leaders, the Aravallis are a critical natural asset, and any dilution of their protection would jeopardize India’s environmental future.
With political tensions rising and protests spreading, the issue is fast emerging as a major national controversy.
Why the Aravallis Matter
Environmental experts stress that the Aravalli ecosystem extends beyond high peaks to include slopes, foothills, and surrounding low-lying areas. These regions are vital for:
Experts warn that excluding these areas from legal protection could worsen water scarcity and pollution across North India.
Centre Defends New Definition
The central government has rejected allegations of weakening environmental safeguards. It maintains that over 90% of the Aravalli region will remain protected and insists that mining regulations will not be relaxed under the new framework.
What Is the New Definition of the Aravalli Range?
Under the Centre’s proposed definition:
Environmentalists argue that this definition could exclude smaller hills, slopes, foothills, and groundwater recharge zones, exposing them to construction and mining activities.
