NewKerala.com

Aravalli Mining Myth Debunked: Why Only 0.19% is Eligible, Minister Reveals

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has firmly dismissed claims that environmental protections for the Aravalli range have been weakened. He clarified that mining remains banned in Delhi's Aravallis and is under strict Supreme Court scrutiny. Yadav revealed that only a tiny fraction, about 0.19%, of the entire region might be eligible for mining under existing laws. The minister accused certain YouTube channels and individuals of running a misinformation campaign on this long-pending issue.

Key Points: Bhupender Yadav Rejects Claims of Aravalli Mining Relaxation

  • Minister rejects claims of diluted environmental norms for the ancient Aravalli range
  • Only 0.19% of the 1.44 lakh sq km area may be eligible for legal mining
  • Supreme Court mandates a uniform definition with a 100-metre protection buffer
  • Yadav warns against a deliberate campaign spreading confusion on the sensitive issue
2 min read

'No relaxation in Aravallis, only 0.19 pc mining eligible': Union Minister Bhupender Yadav slams 'misinformation campaign'

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav clarifies that only 0.19% of the Aravalli range may be eligible for mining, dismissing misinformation about relaxed protections.

"The Aravalli is secure. Stop spreading rumours. - Bhupender Yadav"

New Delhi, Dec 21

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, on Sunday, rejected claims of dilution in protection norms for the Aravalli range, asserting that "no relaxation has been given" and warning against what he termed a deliberate attempt to spread confusion on a long-pending and sensitive environmental issue.

New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Sunday categorically rejected claims of dilution in protection norms for the Aravalli range, asserting that “no relaxation has been given” and warning against what he termed a deliberate attempt to spread confusion on a long-pending and sensitive environmental issue.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Yadav said the Aravalli range, one of the world’s oldest mountain systems, spans four states — Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat — covering 39 districts and an area of around 1.44 lakh square kilometres.

“The matter concerning the Aravalli range has been under judicial scrutiny since 1985. From the very beginning, the thrust has been on strict regulation, especially of mining activities,” he said.

The minister underlined that the Supreme Court has directed all four states to adopt a uniform definition of the Aravalli range to prevent regulatory loopholes. This definition, he said, is based on a 1968 geological study by Richard Murphy and includes a 100-metre protection buffer.

"Some youtube channels and certain individuals are misleading people by claiming that the 100-metre rule applies only to the top portion of the mountain. This is completely false,” Yadav said.

Clarifying the provision, he added that the protection extends from the base structure of the mountain. “Even if the base goes 20 metres underground, the 100-metre protection applies from that point,” he explained.

Yadav stressed that mining is entirely banned in the Aravalli hills of Delhi and the issue remains under the Supreme Court’s consideration.

“We are working in full coordination with the court. Any claim that mining has been permitted or relaxed in Delhi’s Aravalli region is incorrect,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of protection, the minister said that of the total 1.44 lakh sq km Aravalli region, only about 0.19 per cent area may be eligible for mining under existing legal frameworks, while the rest remains fully protected.

“The Aravalli is secure. Stop spreading rumours,” he said, sending out a sharp political message amid the growing controversy.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the Minister setting the record straight. Misinformation on social media, especially YouTube, is a real menace. People need to verify facts before sharing. The 100-metre buffer rule from the base is clear. Hope the states implement it uniformly 🤞
R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the clarification, the timing feels political. Why is this "misinformation campaign" suddenly a big issue now? The minister says mining is banned in Delhi's Aravallis, but what about the illegal mining reports from Rajasthan and Haryana? Action speaks louder than press conferences.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Gurgaon, the Aravalli hills are precious. Even 0.19% mining is concerning if it's in ecologically sensitive zones. The definition based on a 1968 study? Shouldn't we use more recent geological data? Protection needs to be future-proof.
K
Karthik V
Finally, some sense! The Aravalli range is ancient and vital for groundwater recharge and preventing desertification. Strict Supreme Court oversight is the only way. Kudos to the minister for the clear breakdown. "The Aravalli is secure" – let's hope this statement holds true for generations.
M
Meera T
The key is coordination between the four states. Often, loopholes exist because one state has a stricter definition than another. A uniform rule is excellent, but enforcement is everything. We need real-time satellite monitoring and heavy penalties for violations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50