Aditya Thackeray Criticizes Central Government Over Aravalli Hills Controversy

Aditya Thackeray, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has publicly condemned the BJP-led central government for its controversial plans regarding the Aravalli hills. He accused the government of jeopardizing India's ecological balance and expressed concern over the potential mining activities that could extend to other significant regions like the Western Ghats and the Himalayas. Thackeray praised the citizens of Rajasthan for their activism in protecting the hills and questioned the government's commitment to safeguarding natural resources. Meanwhile, the central environment minister assured that mining would not be allowed in the NCR region, citing an increase in Ramsar sites under the current administration. This ongoing debate highlights the critical intersection of environmental policy and political accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 15:40 IST

Thackeray's Strong Condemnation

On Tuesday, Aditya Thackeray, a leader from the Shiv Sena (UBT), sharply criticized the central government led by the BJP regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the Aravalli hills. He accused the government of causing harm to India's environment, expressing his dismay over the central environment minister's defense of proposed actions that threaten the hills. In a social media post, he stated, "It is disgraceful for the central environment minister to justify the destruction of the Aravalli hills! Why lie after being exposed? If even a small part of the Aravalli hills is involved, why is it being opened up for mining? Why is the BJP so intent on completely destroying India's ecology, just as it is dismantling our social fabric?"

Concerns Over Environmental Protection

Thackeray further warned that if the Aravalli hills are compromised today, the Western Ghats or the Himalayas could be next in line for mining activities. He expressed admiration for the citizens of Rajasthan who have taken to the streets to protect the Aravalli hills, emphasizing the need for the government to enhance efforts to safeguard natural resources—though he expressed skepticism about the current administration's commitment to this cause. Just a day prior, Bhupender Yadav, the central minister for environment, forest, and climate change, assured that mining would not be permitted in the NCR region, highlighting the increase in green initiatives related to the Aravalli hills under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Government's Environmental Achievements

According to Yadav, the number of Ramsar sites in India has grown from 24 in 2014 to 96 today. He pointed out that the Ramsar sites in the Aravalli region, including Sultanpur, Bhindawas, Asola, Siliserh, and Sambhar, were designated during the BJP's tenure.