Centre denies Aravalli mining push charge, says over 90% area protected

The Centre on Sunday strongly rejected allegations that a newly approved definition of the Aravalli hills will open the door to large-scale mining, asserting that over 90 per cent of the ecologically fragile mountain system will remain protected and that no relaxation has been granted for mining activities.

Responding to criticism from the Congress and other political and non-political entities, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said claims that the revised definition would destroy the Aravallis were based on misinformation.

"Stop spreading misinformation!" Yadav posted on X, while reiterating that the framework approved by the Supreme Court actually strengthens protection for the region.

Last month, the Supreme Court approved recommendations of a Union Environment Ministry panel defining the Aravalli hills.

The Centre’s affidavit stated that only landforms rising 100 metres or more above local relief—along with their slopes and adjoining areas—would qualify as part of the Aravalli range under the revised definition.

Subsequently, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh lashed out at the newly accepted definition, pointing out that it was intended to restrict mining but would, in reality, result in 90 per cent of the Aravalli Hills no longer being counted as Aravalli.

Responding to the recent criticism, minister Bhupendra Yadav underlined that mining eligibility would be limited to just 0.19 per cent of the Aravalli landscape.

"In the total area of 1.44 lakh square kilometres of the Aravalli, mining eligibility can only be in 0.19 per cent of the area. The rest of the entire Aravalli is preserved and protected," he said.

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