Short Description
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh raises critical questions to the environment minister ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on the redefinition of the Aravali hills, highlighting ecological concerns.
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3 minutes, 30 seconds
Main Article
In a pivotal move ahead of the Supreme Court’s hearing on the Aravali hills, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has directed four probing questions to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. With the ongoing discourse surrounding the new definition of the Aravali hills, Ramesh’s inquiries reveal grave concerns about the potential ecological ramifications of this redefinition. The crux of his argument is that the acceptance of this new definition may lead to fragmentation and a concerning erosion of the Aravalis’ geographical and ecological integrity.
Ramesh’s concerns regarding the Aravalis are underscored by his assertions that the areas deemed to be hills under the new guidelines—specifically those at an elevation of 100 meters or more—may ignore significant smaller hill formations which act as crucial natural barriers against desertification. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) had previously communicated the necessity of even modest hills (between 10 to 30 meters) in serving as effective windbreaks, a stance Ramesh reiterated in his correspondence. The environment ministry has reassured the public by clarifying that the revised definition will only omit approximately 0.2% of the total Aravali area from future mining pursuits. However, it remains unclear whether this measure adequately addresses the ecological balance that the Aravali hills maintain.
Furthermore, Ramesh pointed out that the previous definition of the Aravali hills was based on an FSI report from August 2010, which identified all land with a slope of 3 degrees or more as part of the hills. Notably, a report by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has also indicated that a significant number of mining leases in Rajasthan fall within the previously defined Aravali ranges, highlighting the importance of accountability in any new legislative definitions. The balance between environmental conservation and mining interests is a delicate one, and Ramesh’s inquiries underscore the critical need for comprehensive environmental assessments before further actions are taken.
As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate on this matter, the stakes are higher than ever. The discussions will not only impact mining regulations but also shape the future ecological integrity of one of India’s most significant geographical features. The Aravali hills are not just physical landmarks; they serve as essential natural defenses against environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for rigorous evaluation of any proposed changes in their definition.
Short Summary
Jairam Ramesh’s critical questions to the environment minister highlight significant ecological concerns regarding the Aravali hills’ redefinition ahead of the Supreme Court hearing. The balance between environmental preservation and mining activities remains a pressing issue that calls for careful consideration and immediate action.
