Is the Redefinition of the Aravallis a Threat to Environmental Protection?

The recent redefinition of the Aravalli hills has ignited a fierce debate, with the Congress party alleging that it could expose over 90% of the hills to mining and other activities. Jairam Ramesh criticized the government's environmental policies, while Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav defended the redefinition, asserting that a total ban on mining has been implemented. This article delves into the conflicting viewpoints and the implications for ecological preservation in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 16:58 IST

Concerns Over Aravalli Redefinition

New Delhi: The Congress party has raised alarms regarding the recent redefinition of the Aravalli hills, asserting that it could leave over 90% of these hills vulnerable to mining and other industrial activities.

In a statement on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to align his global environmental rhetoric with local actions.

He accused the government of undermining ecological integrity by diluting environmental regulations and pollution controls.

In response, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav refuted Ramesh's claims, stating that no Forest Survey of India (FSI) study supports the Congress leader's assertions.

Yadav shared a post on X from the FSI that denied any such study had been conducted, questioning the motives behind Ramesh's allegations.

The Environment Minister dismissed the Congress's assertion that the redefinition would leave the majority of the Aravallis unprotected, arguing that the government has imposed a complete ban on mining in the region.

The new definition categorizes an Aravalli Hill as a landform with a minimum elevation of 100 meters above the surrounding terrain, while an Aravalli Range consists of two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other.

Ramesh criticized the government's redefinition, claiming it contradicts expert opinions and poses a significant risk to the environment.

According to authoritative data from the FSI, only 8.7% of the Aravalli hills that exceed 20 meters in height reach the 100-meter mark. In fact, less than 1% of all identified Aravalli hills meet this criterion.

Ramesh emphasized that the FSI advocates for the protection of all Aravalli hills, regardless of height, and warned that the new definition could facilitate mining and real estate development, further harming an already fragile ecosystem.

He stated, "This undeniable truth cannot be concealed," highlighting the government's ongoing assault on ecological balance through relaxed pollution standards and weakened environmental laws.

Ramesh reiterated that there is a stark disconnect between the Prime Minister's international environmental commitments and his domestic policies.

In a counterattack, Yadav suggested that Ramesh's environmental credibility would be stronger if he questioned his party colleague Ashok Gehlot about past actions that harmed the Aravallis.

Yadav asserted that the government has enacted a total ban on mining in the Aravallis, from Gujarat to Delhi, and vowed to protect the region from exploitation.

Following Yadav's remarks, Ramesh accused the Environment Minister of spreading misinformation regarding the Aravallis.

He claimed that the FSI, now under the ministry's additional charge, would only echo the minister's directives and questioned the absence of a formal study on the elevation of the Aravalli hills.

After the controversy surrounding the redefinition, the Centre issued directives to states to halt new mining leases in the Aravalli mountain range.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has also instructed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education to identify further areas within the Aravallis where mining should be prohibited, in addition to existing restrictions.