Congress Slams 'Misleading' Push for Flawed Aravalli Redefinition: Why the Modi Government's Agenda?

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The Congress has accused the government of misleading the public on the Aravalli issue, pushing forward a 'fatally flawed' redefinition that has been opposed by key environmental bodies. In a recent statement on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted the rejection of the new definition by the Forest Survey, the Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court, and the SC's amicus curiae. The proposed definition classifies an 'Aravalli Hill' as a landform with at least 100 meters of elevation above its local terrain and an 'Aravalli Range' as a cluster of two or more hills within 500 meters. Critics argue that this definition excludes ecologically crucial areas, such as low ridges, slopes, and recharge zones, which are vital for groundwater recharge, biodiversity support, and climate regulation. Despite the criticism, the Centre maintains that the new definition does not weaken environmental safeguards, as 90% of the Aravalli region remains protected and mining controls are still in place. However, Ramesh asserts that the Union Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change is being dishonest about the issue and misleading the public. The Congress has questioned the Modi government's decision to push for this redefinition, citing its potential harm to the country's natural heritage and ecological value. Ramesh asked why the government is pursuing this agenda and for whose benefit, emphasizing the importance of protecting the Aravallis for future generations.