Why is the Government Redefining the Aravallis? Congress Raises Concerns

The Congress party has voiced strong objections to the government's proposed redefinition of the Aravalli hills, claiming it misleads the public and undermines ecological integrity. Jairam Ramesh highlighted opposition from key environmental bodies and questioned the motives behind this controversial move. Critics argue that the new definition could overlook vital ecological areas, raising concerns about the government's commitment to environmental protection. As the debate unfolds, the implications for India's natural heritage remain a focal point of contention.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 12:02 IST

Congress Questions Government's Redefinition of Aravallis

New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Congress party accused the government of misleading citizens regarding the Aravalli hills and questioned the rationale behind its controversial redefinition.

Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary, expressed concerns in a post on X, highlighting that the new definition has faced opposition from the Forest Survey of India, the Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee, and the court's amicus curiae.

According to the proposed definition, an 'Aravalli Hill' is characterized as a landform that rises at least 100 meters above the surrounding terrain, while an 'Aravalli Range' consists of two or more such hills located within 500 meters of each other.

Critics point out that numerous ecologically significant areas within the Aravalli system do not reach the 100-meter mark, including low ridges, slopes, foothills, and recharge zones, all of which play vital roles in groundwater replenishment, biodiversity, climate regulation, and soil stability.

The government has dismissed claims that the new definition undermines environmental protections, asserting that over 90% of the Aravalli region remains safeguarded and that mining regulations are not being relaxed.

Ramesh stated, "It is evident that the Union Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change is not being truthful regarding the Aravallis and is misleading the public."

He further emphasized that the redefinition has been strongly opposed by the Forest Survey of India, the Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee, and the court's amicus curiae.

Ramesh questioned the motives behind the Modi government's push for this 'fatally flawed' redefinition.

The Congress party previously expressed concerns about the government's determination to redefine the mountain range, questioning who stands to benefit, given that the Aravallis are a crucial part of the nation's natural heritage and hold significant ecological importance.