Government Clarifies Mining Regulations Amid Aravalli Definition Controversy

In response to the uproar regarding the new definition of the Aravalli mountain range, the central government has asserted that this change will not facilitate any mining exemptions and that conservation efforts will be reinforced. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the total area of the Aravalli is approximately 147,000 square kilometers, with only two percent of this area being available for mining, contingent upon extensive studies and sustainable planning. He emphasized that no mining activities will occur in the Delhi region, and over twenty reserved forests and protected areas within the Aravalli will remain entirely secure.

The government has categorically dismissed reports suggesting that the revised definition of the Aravalli would open the floodgates for large-scale mining. According to officials, the framework approved by the Supreme Court imposes a moratorium on new mining leases until a comprehensive management plan is established. This definition aims to create uniformity across four states, eliminating ambiguity and preventing misuse. Minister Yadav has pointed out that there is a deliberate attempt to spread confusion regarding the Aravalli.

It is important to note that the struggle for the Aravalli is not merely a matter of a few hundred meters; it is a battle for trust. The issue is not just about the percentage of land protected on paper, but rather what will remain on the ground. The government's claims are robust, the statistics are impressive, and the court's endorsement is in place. While the ruling party deflects every inquiry by accusing critics of spreading fear, the opposition labels every governmental action as a conspiracy for destruction. Ultimately, the Aravalli belongs neither to the BJP nor the Congress; it is the backbone of the region's water, air, and life. History shows that mountains may be quietly cut down, but the uproar only arises when it is too late.