Ashok Gehlot Criticizes Rajasthan Government for Mining Licenses in Aravalli Region

Gehlot's Outrage Over Mining Licenses

Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has expressed strong discontent regarding the state government's decision to issue new mining licenses in the Aravalli region, despite clear directives from the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, he pointed out the contradiction in the central government's claims of protecting the Aravalli while the BJP-led state government disregards the Supreme Court's orders.

In a statement, Gehlot highlighted that Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has asserted that no new mining licenses should be granted on any hills over or under 100 meters until a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is established. However, the Rajasthan government initiated the process for new mining licenses on November 14, 2025, which includes 50 licenses across nine districts in the Aravalli range: Jaipur, Alwar, Jhunjhunu, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Ajmer, Sikar, Pali, and Beawar.

He noted that despite the Supreme Court's ruling on November 20, the auction process for these 50 mining licenses in the Aravalli range continued, with a certification issued on November 30, 2025, stating that these licenses do not fall within the Aravalli region.

Gehlot questioned the basis on which the Rajasthan government is proceeding with the auctions when the Supreme Court has explicitly prohibited new licenses without the MPSM.

The government argued in the High Court that these hills are below 100 meters, thus not part of the Aravalli, while the Supreme Court's MPSM ruling applies to both elevations. He stated that this not only contradicts the intent of the Supreme Court's decision but also represents a significant conspiracy to undermine the existence of the Aravalli.

According to the former Chief Minister, this situation exemplifies how, in the future, attempts will be made to exploit the entire Aravalli region under the guise of the Supreme Court's rulings.

Gehlot sarcastically remarked that Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has been delivering speeches about saving the Aravalli for two days, yet in his own district of Bharatpur, neighboring Deeg, saints and sages are protesting against illegal mining. He criticized the Chief Minister for not ensuring the safety of the Aravalli in his own area while preaching elsewhere.