Aravalli Mining Row: Congress Accuses BJP of Approving New Mining, Misleading Public

A significant controversy has erupted nationwide concerning the Aravalli mountain range, sparking widespread public outcry on social media and leading to protests on the streets, while former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, along with numerous Congress leaders, has taken to social media to share photos and videos of the Aravallis, criticizing both the central and state governments for their policies. Amidst this growing public agitation, Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully held a press conference at his Alwar office, leveling serious allegations against the BJP government. He asserted that the government is intent on destroying the Aravallis, which serve as a lifeline for four states, merely to benefit its favored individuals.

Congress's Clear Stance on Mining

During his press conference, Tika Ram Jully clarified the Congress government's position on Aravalli mining during its tenure. He emphatically stated that the Congress government had not prepared any proposal to approve new mining activities in the Aravalli region. According to Jully, the Congress government's proposal only sought to allow the. Continuation of existing mines that were already operational within the Aravalli area. This distinction is crucial, as Jully believes the current BJP government's plan is fundamentally different. The Congress maintained that while existing mining could be managed, new mining would inflict irreparable damage on the Aravalli's ecological balance, a stance they continue to uphold in the face of new proposals.

BJP's Alleged New Mining Proposal

Jully accused the BJP government of formulating a new plan that would permit fresh mining in the Aravallis. He warned that this move would lead to the complete destruction of the Aravalli mountain range. As per Jully, this new proposal has been drafted by a government committee, and its primary objective is to provide economic benefits to certain 'favored' individuals, regardless of the environmental cost. He elaborated that this scheme wouldn't only alter the geological structure of the Aravallis but also have devastating impacts on its natural resources and biodiversity. The pollution generated by new mining, coupled with declining groundwater levels and soil erosion, would pose a severe threat to the entire region, jeopardizing its long-term sustainability.

Aravalli: A Lifeline for Four States

The Aravalli mountain range isn't merely a geological feature; it's a vital lifeline for four Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana. Jully underscored the Aravalli's critical role in preventing the expansion of the desert, particularly in Rajasthan, where it acts as a natural barrier against the eastward spread of the Thar Desert, while On top of that, this mountain range plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge, providing essential water for drinking and irrigation to millions of people across these states. The Aravalli hills and forest areas absorb rainwater, helping to maintain underground water levels. If the Aravallis are damaged by mining, these states could face severe water crises and accelerated desertification, profoundly impacting agriculture and human life.

Home to Diverse Wildlife and Tiger Reserves

The Aravalli region is home to thousands of wildlife species and encompasses several significant tiger reserves and forest areas, while renowned tiger reserves such as Sariska, Ranthambore, and Mukundra are situated within the Aravalli range, offering a safe sanctuary for tigers and other endangered species. Jully expressed deep concern that the government's new mining plan is poised to decimate these wildlife populations and their habitats, while mining activities would destroy natural habitats, deplete food and water sources for wildlife, and force animals to migrate towards human settlements, thereby escalating human-wildlife conflict. This wouldn't only disrupt the local ecosystem but also represent a major setback for India's wildlife conservation efforts.

Accusations of Public Misguidance

Tika Ram Jully accused the BJP government and its ministers of misleading the public. He stated that the government is attempting to convince people that Aravalli mining is necessary or that their plans are environmentally friendly, while the reality is quite different, while jully also mentioned that a proposal prepared by the Gehlot government in Rajasthan was previously rejected by the Supreme Court. He suggested that the BJP government might be using this fact to confuse the public, implying that previous government policies were also flawed, even though the nature and impact of the current proposal are entirely distinct. This misleading strategy could divert public attention from the true environmental threat posed to the Aravallis.

Escalating Protests: From Streets to Parliament

The Congress party is now preparing to take its campaign to save the Aravallis to the streets. Tika Ram Jully announced that the Congress party would stage protests 'from the streets to Parliament' on this issue. He emphasized that this isn't merely a political matter but a serious concern related to the environment and the lives of millions of people. The Congress aims to garner widespread public support on this issue and pressure the government to withdraw its new mining plan. The ongoing social media campaign and the public's presence on the streets indicate that this movement will intensify in the coming days, increasing pressure on the government and setting the stage for a significant political and environmental confrontation over the future of the Aravallis.