Aravalli Hills Mined Despite SC Order; Bhupendra Yadav Blames 'Misinformation Campaign'

A political firestorm is brewing over the Aravalli range after a Supreme Court order defined its hills, sparking fears of increased mining. The opposition claims the Narendra Modi government will use the order to favour industrialists. Hitting back at a 'targeted misinformation campaign', Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, stated that 'mining will be possible only in 0.19% of the total forested area.' However, an India Today ground report from Alwar reveals a different reality, showing hills being hollowed out by mining. Activists argue the new 100-metre elevation rule for hills leaves most of the range unprotected, questioning the future integrity of the eco-sensitive zone crucial for protecting the NCR from desertification.