Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav recently addressed concerns about the Aravalli hills, stating that 90% of this vital area is still protected. He aimed to clarify misconceptions circulating online, especially about new definitions regarding the hills’ boundaries.
Many have misunderstood the term “100-metre,” thinking it refers only to the hills’ peak. Yadav clarified that this actually describes the entire hill area from top to bottom, including gaps between different hills. This ensures that most of the Aravalli region—which spans Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat—maintains its protected status.
Mining in the Aravalli region remains heavily regulated. The total area is about 147,000 square kilometers, but only 217 square kilometers—roughly 2%—is open for mining. Activities in sensitive ecological zones are strictly controlled. In fact, all mining is banned in the Delhi Aravalli section.
Yadav also expressed the government’s dedication to preserving this ecosystem through the Green Aravalli Programme. This initiative aims to restore forests, protect biodiversity, and enhance climate resilience.
Despite government assurances, political critics, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, have expressed doubts about the new definitions, fearing they may harm the environment. Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party emphasized the Aravallis’ role as a natural barrier for air quality and public health in the Delhi-NCR area. Protests have erupted in cities like Gurugram and Udaipur, with environmental activists warning that changes could disrupt this ancient mountain range, which dates back over 3.2 billion years.
The debate continues, with the government reaffirming that the existing legal and conservation frameworks remain strong. This ongoing discussion highlights the complex balance between development and ecological protection, a challenge that has been part of India’s environmental narrative for years.
For more insights on environmental protection in India, you can check resources from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
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