SC’s redefinition of Aravalli Hills sparks political clash between BJP and Congress

New Delhi, Dec 25 (UNI) The Supreme Court’s recent decision on the Aravalli hills, specifically regarding the new definition of hills above 100 metres, has triggered a political clash between the BJP-led central government and Congress leaders.
Rejecting Jairam Ramesh’s allegations, Bhupendra Yadav, Environment Minister, said that no Forest Survey of India (FSI) study that the Congress leader is claiming for Aravalli’s destruction has been made.
Yadav backed his claims by posting the institution’s post on X on Tuesday that denied conducting any study, claiming that only 9 per cent of the Aravallis is above 100 metres.
The minister also shared the older 2003 order passed by the Rajasthan Government, then led by Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, asking Ramesh to question his own party leaders.
Accusing Ramesh of spreading lies and alleging previous Rajasthan government for ravaging Aravallis, Yadav said, “Maybe your ‘environmentalist hat’ would be credible if you questioned your party colleague Ashok Gehlot about who destroyed the Aravallis.”
Yadav further added the Congress party has been rattled by the government’s decision of imposing a ban on mining in the Aravallis from Gujarat to Delhi.
“You and your coterie are rattled because we have issued a total ban on mining in the Aravallis from Gujarat to Delhi. We will not allow you, Mr Gehlot or anyone else in your party to plunder the sacred Aravalli range ever again. Will continue to work for the restoration of what your party has ravaged,” he added.
Taking to X, Jairam Ramesh criticised the Centre’s decision, saying, “The Modi Sarkar’s redefinition of the Aravallis, that goes against all expert opinion, is dangerous and disastrous.”
He cited data from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), which he described as authoritative, to argue that only 8.7% of Aravalli hills higher than 20 metres exceed 100 metres in height.
“If we take all Aravalli hills identified by FSI, not even 1% exceeds 100 meters. The FSI believes, and rightly so, that height limits are dubious and ALL of the Aravallis, irrespective of height, should be protected,” he added.