Why is the Modi Government Redefining the Aravallis? Congress Raises Concerns
Congress Questions Redefinition of Aravalli Mountains
New Delhi: The Congress party has expressed concerns regarding the Modi administration's intentions behind the redefinition of the Aravalli mountain range, emphasizing its ecological significance and heritage. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took to X to voice his apprehensions about the recent statements made by the Environment and Forest Minister, which he believes raise more questions than answers.
Ramesh highlighted the importance of the Aravallis, stating, "These mountains are integral to our natural heritage and require significant restoration and protection. Why is the Modi Government so determined to redefine them? What is the ultimate goal, and who stands to benefit?"
He further criticized the government for disregarding recommendations from reputable organizations like the Forest Survey of India, questioning the rationale behind such decisions.
The former Environment Minister pointed out that the minister's claim that only 0.19% of the 1.44 lakh square kilometers of the Aravallis is under mining leases, which translates to approximately 68,000 acres, is misleading. He argued that this figure encompasses the entire area of 34 districts identified by the Ministry across four states, rather than the actual land covered by the Aravallis.
Ramesh asserted that if the actual area of the Aravallis is considered, the 0.19% figure would represent a significant underestimation. He noted that in 15 of the 34 districts with verifiable data, the Aravallis account for 33% of the total land area.
He expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding which parts of the Aravallis might be excluded from protection under the new definition, potentially opening them up for mining and development.
Ramesh warned that adopting local profiles as a baseline could lead to the exclusion of many hills over 100 meters high from protective measures. He cautioned that the revised definition could facilitate real estate development in the Delhi NCR region, exacerbating environmental issues.
The minister's push to redefine the Sariska Tiger Reserve boundaries to permit mining raises alarms about the fragmentation of an interconnected ecosystem, which could severely impact its ecological integrity, Ramesh added.
In response, Yadav accused the Congress party of disseminating misinformation regarding the Aravalli redefinition, asserting that mining is legally permitted in only 0.19% of the mountain range. He reiterated the Modi government's commitment to safeguarding and restoring the Aravallis.
Yadav criticized the Congress for its past record of allowing illegal mining in Rajasthan, claiming that the party is spreading confusion and falsehoods about the current situation.
In November 2025, the Supreme Court established a standardized legal definition for the Aravalli Hills and Range, based on recommendations from a committee led by the Environment Ministry. According to this definition, an "Aravalli Hill" is defined as a landform with an elevation of 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.