Thu Dec 25 06:43:31 UTC 2025: Summary:
Congress party official Jairam Ramesh alleges that a new government redefinition of the Aravalli hills will leave over 90% of the range unprotected, opening them up for mining and real estate development. He claims the change, defining Aravalli Hills as having to be at least 100 meters above the surrounding terrain, contradicts expert opinion and undermines environmental protection efforts. He accuses the Modi government of weakening environmental laws and pollution norms. The government recently directed states to ban new mining leases within the Aravallis and tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education to identify additional areas where mining should be prohibited.
News Article:
Aravalli Protection Under Fire: Congress Claims New Definition Leaves 90% Vulnerable to Exploitation
New Delhi, December 25, 2025 – A storm is brewing over the Aravalli mountain range as the Congress party accuses the Modi government of drastically reducing environmental protections through a redefinition of what constitutes an Aravalli Hill.
According to Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, the new definition, which requires a landform to be at least 100 meters above its surrounding terrain to be considered an Aravalli Hill, will leave over 90% of the range vulnerable to mining, real estate development, and other activities.
“This Modi Sarkar’s redefinition of the Aravallis, that goes against all expert opinion, is dangerous and disastrous,” Ramesh stated in a post on X, referencing data from the Forest Survey of India. He further accused the government of weakening environmental laws, loosening pollution standards, and undermining environmental governance institutions.
The Congress leader’s allegations come on the heels of a recent directive from the Centre to states imposing a complete ban on new mining leases within the Aravallis. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has also tasked the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education with identifying additional zones within the range where mining should be prohibited.
Despite these measures, Ramesh remains critical, arguing that the redefinition effectively negates any protective intent. “There is simply no connection between the PM’s global talk and his local walk when it comes to environmental concerns,” he concluded.
The controversy raises serious questions about the future of the Aravallis, an already fragile ecosystem, and the government’s commitment to environmental protection versus economic development. The debate is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
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