Bhupender Yadav defends re-definition of Aravallis, says Cong spreading lies

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday accused the Congress of deliberately circulating "misinformation" and "lies" regarding the Centre’s revised definition of the Aravallis, stating that legally sanctioned mining is restricted to just 0.19 per cent of the mountain range.

Speaking at a media interaction, Yadav said the Narendra Modi government remains "fully committed" to the conservation and revival of the Aravallis. He alleged that the Congress, which oversaw extensive illegal mining in Rajasthan while in power, is now attempting to mislead the public by “spreading confusion, misinformation and lies” on the matter.

The minister said the updated definition, endorsed by the Supreme Court on the Environment Ministry’s recommendation, is intended to stop illegal mining while permitting “sustainable mining legally”. He emphasised that mining would be allowed only after a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).

According to sources, the ICFRE will scientifically assess the Aravalli landscape to determine locations where mining may be permitted only under rare, well-justified conditions. The assessment will also identify ecologically sensitive zones, conservation-critical regions and areas prioritised for restoration, where mining activities will remain strictly prohibited.

Yadav said authorised mining operations currently occupy only around 0.19 per cent of the total land area across 37 Aravalli districts spanning Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. He added that Delhi, which includes five districts within the Aravalli region, does not allow any mining.

Referring to Supreme Court directions, the minister said no fresh mining leases would be issued in the Aravalli region until a comprehensive sustainable mining plan is finalised by the ICFRE. Existing mines, he said, will be allowed to function only if they comply fully with the sustainable mining norms prescribed by the expert committee.

In November 2025, the Supreme Court approved a standard legal definition of the Aravalli Hills and the Aravalli Range based on the recommendations of an Environment Ministry-led committee. Under the revised framework, an “Aravalli Hill” is defined as a landform rising at least 100 metres above the surrounding terrain, while an “Aravalli Range” refers to two or more such hills located within a distance of 500 metres.

Environmental groups and some scientists have objected to the redefinition, arguing that several ecologically crucial features—such as low ridges, slopes, foothills and groundwater recharge zones—fall below the 100-metre threshold despite their environmental importance. They point out that these areas play a significant role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating climate, stabilising soil and replenishing groundwater.

Opponents of the move have cautioned that areas excluded under the new criteria could become vulnerable to mining, construction and commercial use, potentially undermining long-standing protections and disrupting ecological continuity across the Aravalli system. The issue has sparked protests across Rajasthan and Haryana and triggered widespread campaigns on social media.

The Centre has rejected claims that the revised definition dilutes environmental safeguards, maintaining that over 90 per cent of the Aravalli region continues to enjoy protection and that mining controls remain unchanged.

On Sunday, Yadav reiterated that the Aravalli range covers all landforms situated within 500 metres of two adjoining hills measuring at least 100 metres in height. He said that all such landforms within this buffer zone—irrespective of elevation or slope—are excluded from the grant of mining leases.