The political and environmental debate around the Aravalli hills has intensified as the Congress sharpened its criticism of the Centre and BJP-ruled states over the recent redefinition of the ancient mountain system. The party has warned that the revised criteria could fundamentally alter how the Aravallis are protected, potentially opening vast stretches of land to commercial exploitation.
At the heart of the controversy is the concern that the issue extends far beyond mining. Congress leaders argue that the redefinition threatens the ecological future of one of India’s oldest mountain ranges, already burdened by deforestation, urbanisation and climate stress. With the Supreme Court examining the matter, the debate has acquired both legal and national significance.
The Aravallis, often described as a natural shield against desertification and extreme climate patterns, play a critical role in groundwater recharge and biodiversity conservation. Any dilution in their protection framework, critics argue, could have irreversible consequences for the region and beyond.
Congress Steps Up Attack Over Aravalli Redefinition
The Congress has accused the Centre of pushing through a redefinition that weakens safeguards for the Aravalli hills. According to the party, the revised definition is being implemented without adequate consideration of long-term environmental consequences, despite repeated warnings from ecological experts.
Congress leaders claim that the changes will allow activities previously restricted under environmental norms. They argue that by narrowing the scope of what qualifies as protected Aravalli land, large areas may be left vulnerable to commercial interests.
The party has framed the issue as a larger battle between environmental preservation and unchecked development, asserting that the stakes involve the survival of a fragile ecosystem rather than a narrow policy dispute.
Jairam Ramesh Raises Alarm Over Ecological Impact
Congress general secretary and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh has been at the forefront of the opposition to the redefinition. He has repeatedly stated that the revised criteria go against expert recommendations and risk accelerating environmental degradation.
Ramesh has argued that the Aravallis are already under severe stress due to years of mining, deforestation and construction. According to him, the new definition could legitimise further damage by excluding numerous hillocks and ecologically sensitive zones from legal protection.
He has also questioned the government’s intent, suggesting that economic interests are being prioritised over scientific and environmental considerations.
Beyond Mining: Real Estate at the Centre of Fears
While mining has traditionally been the focal point of environmental battles in the Aravalli region, the Congress has warned that the redefinition opens the door to large-scale real estate development. The party argues that construction poses an equal, if not greater, threat to the hills.
Real estate activity, critics say, leads to permanent alteration of landforms, destruction of forest cover and disruption of natural water channels. Once developed, such areas are unlikely to be restored to their original ecological state.
The Congress maintains that the revised definition could provide a legal pathway for builders to exploit land that was previously considered protected, transforming hills into urban extensions.
Claims of Ignoring Expert Advice
A major point of contention is the alleged sidelining of expert institutions. Jairam Ramesh has cited recommendations from bodies such as the Forest Survey of India, which, according to him, had advised broader protection for the Aravalli landscape.
The party argues that scientific assessments have consistently highlighted the interconnected nature of hillocks, valleys and forests in the region. Reducing protection to narrowly defined elevations, they say, ignores ecological realities.
This, Congress leaders contend, could fragment conservation efforts and make enforcement of environmental laws increasingly difficult.
Political Escalation and Demand for Accountability
The controversy has quickly escalated into a political confrontation. Ramesh has openly called for the resignation of the Union environment minister, accusing him of advocating policies that undermine environmental protection.
The Congress claims that the redefinition reflects a pattern of governance where economic growth is pursued at the cost of natural heritage. Party leaders argue that such decisions erode public trust in environmental institutions.
The BJP, on the other hand, has maintained that the revised definition brings clarity and uniformity, a claim strongly contested by opposition leaders.
Centre Issues Mining Ban Amid Row
Amid growing criticism, the Centre issued directions to states to impose a complete ban on granting new mining leases within the Aravalli range. The move was presented as a measure to safeguard the hills while legal scrutiny continues.
However, the Congress has argued that the ban does not address the core issue. According to the party, restricting mining alone is insufficient if other forms of commercial exploitation are allowed under a narrower definition.
They warn that without comprehensive protection, the Aravallis could still face irreversible damage through construction and land conversion.
Supreme Court Takes Cognisance
The dispute has reached the Supreme Court, which has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter. The apex court’s involvement has raised hopes among environmentalists that a balanced and science-based approach may prevail.
On November 20, the court accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges and imposed a ban on fresh mining leases across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat until expert reports are submitted.
The court’s intervention underscores the seriousness of the issue and highlights the judiciary’s role in resolving conflicts between development and conservation.
Uniform Definition and Its Implications
The definition endorsed by the Supreme Court describes an “Aravalli Hill” as any landform in designated districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief. An “Aravalli Range” is defined as a collection of two or more such hills within close proximity.
While the government has argued that this provides consistency, critics fear that many smaller hillocks and ecologically significant areas may fall outside this framework.
The Congress has insisted that protecting only select elevations undermines the holistic preservation of the mountain system.
Why the Aravallis Matter
The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain systems in the world and serves as a crucial ecological barrier. It helps prevent the spread of desertification from the Thar region and supports diverse flora and fauna.
The hills also play a vital role in groundwater recharge, sustaining agriculture and water supply for millions of people across northwestern India.
Environmentalists warn that weakening protections could worsen water scarcity, air pollution and climate vulnerability in already stressed urban regions.
Long-Term Environmental Risks
The Congress has cautioned that decisions taken today will have long-term consequences. Once hills are levelled or built upon, restoration becomes nearly impossible.
The party argues that environmental damage often manifests gradually, making it harder to reverse policy mistakes once their full impact becomes visible.
This, they say, makes it imperative to err on the side of caution when dealing with ecosystems as ancient and fragile as the Aravallis.
Awaiting the Supreme Court’s Final Word
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the matter, all sides are awaiting clarity on the future of the Aravalli hills. The court’s decision is expected to shape environmental governance in the region for years to come.
For the Congress, the issue represents a test of the government’s commitment to sustainable development. For environmentalists, it is a critical moment in the fight to preserve a natural heritage under threat.
The outcome will determine whether the Aravallis remain a protected ecological asset or gradually yield to the pressures of commercial expansion.
Also Read: Aravallis Row: Congress Warns Redefinition Fuels Real Estate
About the Author:
Harshit Raj
