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Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has firmly rejected claims of misinformation surrounding the Supreme Court’s recent decision on the Aravalli mountain range, emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to preserving India’s oldest mountain formation.
Speaking on Tuesday after thoroughly reviewing the judgment, Yadav clarified that the Supreme Court has explicitly mandated the conservation of the Aravalli range across Delhi, Gujarat, and Rajasthan through scientific assessment methods. He highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the administration has consistently championed a “green Aravalli” initiative.
“This marks an unprecedented recognition of our government’s environmental conservation efforts,” Yadav stated, adding that the technical committee established by the court has a specific and limited mandate to examine mining-related concerns in the region.
The minister addressed the contentious “100-metre” criterion that has been at the center of public debate, explaining that this measurement refers to the vertical distance from a hill’s summit to its base. He emphatically noted that all mining activities remain prohibited throughout the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Aravalli range, spanning approximately 692 kilometers across northwestern India, represents one of the world’s oldest mountain systems, with geological formations dating back approximately 350 million years. The range plays a crucial ecological role as a natural barrier against desertification from the Thar Desert and serves as a critical watershed dividing the Indus and Ganges river systems.
Referring to specific sections of the judgment, Yadav pointed to Paragraph 38, which stipulates that no new mining leases will be granted except in cases deemed critically necessary. This restriction underscores the court’s recognition of the range’s ecological significance.
“The Aravalli ecosystem is home to 20 wildlife sanctuaries and four tiger reserves,” Yadav emphasized, highlighting the biodiversity importance of the region. These protected areas support numerous endangered species, including leopards, striped hyenas, golden jackals, and various bird species.
Environmental experts have long advocated for stronger protection measures for the Aravallis, citing concerns about illegal mining, deforestation, and unchecked urban development that have threatened the fragile ecosystem in recent decades. The Supreme Court’s decision comes amid growing environmental activism and increasing public awareness about the ecological importance of the mountain range.
Yadav expressed satisfaction that the judgment has effectively addressed and dismissed what he termed as “false allegations and misinformation” regarding the government’s stance on Aravalli conservation. He emphasized that the court’s recommendation for a comprehensive management plan for scientific oversight of the Aravallis validates the government’s ongoing studies and conservation initiatives.
The minister’s comments come at a time when environmental protection has gained increased attention in national policy discussions, with the Aravalli range representing a critical focal point for balancing development needs with ecological preservation.
Conservation efforts for the Aravallis have particular relevance for water security and climate resilience in northern India. The range functions as a critical aquifer recharge zone for the increasingly water-stressed regions of Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, while its forest cover helps mitigate urban heat island effects and improve air quality in surrounding cities.
The Supreme Court’s decision and the government’s response reflect the complex challenges of environmental governance in rapidly developing regions, where competing interests of industrial growth, urban expansion, and ecological preservation must be carefully balanced.
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10 Comments
Interesting to see the government’s perspective on this contentious mining issue. It’s clear they’re trying to balance environmental concerns with economic development. Curious to see how the technical committee’s assessment plays out.
Yes, it seems like a delicate balance. I hope they can find a solution that protects the Aravalli range while also allowing responsible mining where appropriate.
The minister’s clarification on the ‘100-metre’ criterion is helpful. Good to see the government taking a proactive stance on environmental conservation in the region.
Agreed, it’s important they get the details right on these technical definitions to avoid further confusion or misunderstanding.
Kudos to the government for establishing a technical committee to examine the mining-related issues in the region. Transparent, science-based assessments will be crucial here.
Absolutely. Let’s hope the committee’s findings can help inform a balanced, well-reasoned solution that protects the Aravalli range while also considering economic needs.
It’s good to see the government recognizing the importance of the Aravalli range and committing to its conservation. Careful management of natural resources is critical for sustainable development.
Agreed. Striking the right balance between environmental protection and economic growth will be an ongoing challenge, but it’s an important one for the government to navigate.
I’m skeptical of the claim that this is all just ‘misinformation.’ There are clearly valid concerns about the environmental impact of mining in the Aravalli range that need to be carefully considered.
That’s a fair point. The government should be open to constructive criticism and work to address legitimate environmental worries, not just dismiss them as misinformation.