Minister Yadav has said the Modi government remains firmly committed to the Green Aravalli mission and that fears of large-scale ecological dilution are misplaced.
Aravalli hills update: In a big statement amid the rising controversy around Aravalli hills in the country, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has made a big statement. In his recent statement, the Union Environment Minister has made it clear that the new and controversial definition of the Aravalli hills is applicable only for mining purposes. Mentioning that just 277.89 sq km, about 0.19 per cent of the total Aravalli landscape is open to mining, the minister touched upon various important issues. Here are all the details you need to know about what the Union Environment Minister has said on the Aravalli hills issue.
What Union Environment Minister said on Aravalli hills definition?
As per a report Minister Yadav said the Modi government remains firmly committed to the Green Aravalli mission and that fears of large-scale ecological dilution are misplaced.
“This definition related to the Aravalli hills is applicable only for mining purposes. It will be used solely in the context of mining. Mining is permitted only in 277.89 sq km out of the total 1,43,577 sq km of the Aravalli area,” Yadav said.
Yadav’s remarks come amid sharp political criticism following the Supreme Court’s acceptance of the Centre’s definition of the Aravalli hills and its approval of recommendations for sustainable mining.
What Supreme Court said on Aravalli range mining?
For a context, the Supreme Court had earlier directed the Environment Ministry to prepare a Mining Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) for the entire Aravalli range before granting any new leases.
As per a report by ANI news agency, Yadav said mining activity in the Aravalli range would be allowed only in a very limited area, stressing that the mountain range continues to enjoy robust ecological protection.
The Union Environment Ministry has also issued a detailed clarification, stating that no new mining leases will be allowed until a comprehensive study is undertaken, in line with the Supreme Court’s November 20 order.
(With ANI inputs)
