No connection between Modi's 'global talk, local walk': Congress
What's the story
The Congress alleged on Thursday that the recent redefinition of the Aravalli Hills will leave over 90% of them unprotected, potentially opening up these hills to mining and other activities. In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh, the party's general secretary, slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over the issue. Ramesh said there is a disconnect between PM Modi's "global talk and local walk" when it came to environmental issues.
Redefinition row
Congress criticizes new definition of Aravalli Hills
According to the new definition recently adopted by the Supreme Court, an "Aravalli Hill" is a landform with a height of at least 100 meters above the local surrounding terrain. Meanwhile, an "Aravalli Range" has been defined as a cluster of two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other. However, Ramesh argued that this redefinition poses a major threat to the ecosystem, claiming that most of the Aravalli Hills will be left unprotected.
Data reference
Ramesh cites Forest Survey of India data
Ramesh cited purported data from the Forest Survey of India (FSI) to bolster his argument, claiming only 8.7% of the Aravalli Hills higher than 20 meters exceed 100 meters in height. "In terms of area, this means that well over 90% of the Aravallis will NOT be protected by the new redefinition and could well get opened up for mining, real estate, and other activities," he tweeted. Meanwhile, the FSI recently clarified that these figures aren't based on its studies.
Legal concerns
Ramesh accuses government of weakening environmental laws
Ramesh further accused the Modi government of weakening environmental protection laws and loosening pollution standards. He said this redefinition of the Arvallis is also part of a larger trend of attacks to disrupt the ecological balance by PM Modi's government. "This is yet another example of the Modi Sarkar's determined assault on ecological balance that includes...emasculation of the National Green Tribunal and other institutions of environmental governance," he said.
Government action
Centre's response to Aravalli controversy
In response to the controversy over the redefinition of the Aravallis, the Centre has banned states from issuing new mining leases in the mountain range. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has also directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education to identify additional areas in the Aravallis where mining should be prohibited.