Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has accused the Union government of orchestrating a scheme to ‘sell’ the Aravalli Hills under the guise of environmental protection. Gehlot’s allegations revolve around supposed institutional capture and the deliberate weakening of environmental safeguards to favor mining interests.
Gehlot disputes Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav’s assurances that mining activities will affect only 0.19 per cent of the Aravallis, deeming such claims misleading. He raised questions about the intentions of both the Centre and the BJP-led Rajasthan government in their attempts to alter the conservation status of areas like Sariska.
The controversy intensifies following a Supreme Court decision accepting new definitions for Aravalli landforms, sparking fear among environmentalists and politicians that this could lead to the degradation of 90 per cent of this ancient mountain range.
(With inputs from agencies.)