Amid Uproar, Center Reaffirms Commitment To Aravalli Mission, Says ‘Only 0.19% Area Open to Mining’ India News
Amid the rising uproar over the Aravalli hills row, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday said that just 277.89 sq km, about 0.19 per cent, of the total Aravalli landscape is open to mining, and no new mining leases will be granted until a detailed scientific study is completed.
While addressing a press conference to allay concerns over the revised definition, as per ANI reports, Yadav said, “This definition related to the Aravalli hills is applicable only for mining purposes. It will be used solely in the context of mining. Mining is permitted only in 277.89 sq km out of the total 1,43,577 sq km of the Aravalli area.”
As per the ANI, the Environment minister further said that the Modi government remains firmly committed to the Green Aravalli mission and that fears of large-scale ecological dilution are misplaced.
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The Environment Minister declined to specify a timeline for the report being prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), which is mandatory before any fresh mining lease can be considered. “The matter is before the court, and I cannot comment on the timeline at this stage,” he said.
Yadav’s remarks come amid sharp political criticism following the Supreme Court’s acceptance of the Centre’s definition of the Aravalli hills and its approval of recommendations for sustainable mining. The opposition has alleged that the move would favor mining interests, a charge the minister firmly rejected.
He maintained that mining in the Aravalli range would be permitted only in a very limited area and stressed that the ecologically sensitive region continues to enjoy strong environmental protection. He also noted that the apex court had appreciated the government’s Green Aravalli initiative.
The Union Environment Ministry has issued a detailed clarification, stating that no new mining leases will be granted until a comprehensive study is conducted, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s November 20 order.
(With ANI inputs)
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