Congress Warns: Real Estate Development Will Further Harm the Aravalli Ecosystem

The Congress party has issued a stark warning that real estate development, in addition to mining, being promoted by the double-engine government will cause further damage to the already fragile Aravalli ecosystem. Congress General Secretary and former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh highlighted this issue, stating that these developments are being pursued against the recommendations of the Forest Survey of India.

The Congress claims that not only mining but also real estate development is being opened up by the government, which will have dire consequences for the Aravalli hills. Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, emphasized that the new definition of the Aravallis will cause further havoc in an already devastated ecosystem.

The opposition has been strongly opposed to the redefinition of the Aravalli hills, arguing that this move will lead to the destruction of the hills by opening them up to various projects, including mining and real estate. The Congress asserts that more than 90 percent of the Aravallis will not be protected under the new definition, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

In response to the controversy, the Central Government has issued directions to states for a complete ban on granting new mining leases within the mountain range. The Supreme Court has also taken suo motu cognizance of the issue and is scheduled to hear the matter. On November 20, the top court accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges, banning the grant of fresh mining leases in areas spanning Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat until experts' reports are available.

The Supreme Court accepted the recommendations of a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges to protect the world's oldest mountain system. The committee recommended that 'Aravalli Hill' be defined as any landform in designated Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 meters or more above its local relief, and an 'Aravalli Range' will be a collection of two or more such hills within 500 meters of each other.

This controversy highlights the ongoing struggle between development and environmental conservation, with the Congress party advocating for stricter protections to preserve the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Aravalli hills.