New Delhi, December 25 (ANI) — Recently, Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the government’s announcement regarding a ban on new mining leases in the Aravalli range, calling the statement “misleading.” He emphasized that there is no legal boundary defining the Aravalli area, and different states view it differently.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has instructed states to stop granting any new mining leases across the Aravallis, which stretch from Delhi to Gujarat. Khera shared his concerns on X, stating that although the ministry’s notification aims for a complete ban, the lack of a clear boundary makes this goal unrealistic.
He pointed out that if additional areas in the Aravallis are yet to be identified, then a full and effective ban cannot be enforced. He also noted that the recent Supreme Court ruling already covers the issue, making the government’s new directive seem unnecessary.
Jairam Ramesh, another Congress leader, echoed these sentiments. He called the government’s efforts a “bogus attempt at damage control.” He also raised concerns about a recent redefinition of the Aravalli region, which could lead to further issues.
The official release from the government states that this ban is intended to protect the ecological integrity of the Aravallis. The plan includes allowing the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to conduct studies to create a comprehensive management plan for sustainable mining. This plan aims to assess the environmental impact of mining and identify sensitive areas that need protection.
Interestingly, recent data shows a growing awareness about environmental issues among the public. A survey from earlier this year indicated that 67% of respondents prioritized environmental conservation over economic gain. This suggests that many people support efforts to protect areas like the Aravalli range.
New insights into mining practices indicate that sustainable mining can lead to better ecological outcomes. Experts suggest that regulations should be more stringent, focusing on the long-term health of our planet rather than short-term profits.
As the government moves forward, the real challenge will be balancing environmental protection with economic interests. The road ahead will require collaboration between various stakeholders, including local communities and environmentalists, to ensure that both nature and livelihoods are preserved.
For more insights on sustainable mining practices, you can check out this report by the World Bank.
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Aravallis, Illegal mining, Congress, Jairam ramesh, Pawan Khera, Supreme Court
