Aravalli Definition Row: Gehlot and Rathore Clash, BJP-Congress Lock Horns

A new political controversy has erupted in Rajasthan concerning the definition of the Aravalli Hills, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party engaging in a heated exchange of accusations. The dispute centers around the '100-meter definition' of the Aravalli range, with both parties presenting their arguments and counter-arguments. This issue has once again blurred the lines between environmental conservation and political maneuvering in the state's political landscape, raising significant questions about policy and accountability.

The Core of the Dispute: Aravalli's 100-Meter Definition

The 100-meter definition of the Aravalli Hills is at the heart of this entire controversy, while this specific definition is crucial for regulating construction and mining activities within the Aravalli region, directly impacting its ecological balance and future. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and BJP leader Rajendra Rathore are both targeting each other over the historical context and current endorsement of this definition. Rathore claims that Gehlot is misleading the public regarding the Aravalli issue, while Gehlot alleges that the current BJP government is supporting a definition that was previously rejected by the Supreme Court. This situation casts a shadow over environmental policy and political accountability in the state.

Rathore Accuses Gehlot of Spreading Confusion

Addressing a press conference at the state BJP office on Sunday, BJP leader Rajendra Rathore accused former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of spreading confusion regarding the Aravalli Hills, while rathore explicitly stated that it was the then Congress government that had recommended the 100-meter definition of Aravalli in 2003. According to Rathore, Gehlot is now politicizing an issue that originated during his own government's tenure. Rathore emphasized that Gehlot's current campaign is merely a political show and has no genuine connection to environmental conservation. He further questioned Gehlot's 'Save Aravalli' campaign, pointing out that. Even top leaders within Gehlot's own party have not supported it.

Gehlot's Counter-Attack and Questions to the BJP Government

In response to Rajendra Rathore's accusations, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched a sharp counter-attack on the BJP government. Gehlot acknowledged that in 2003, an expert committee had indeed recommended the 100-meter definition to the then state government, considering livelihood and employment perspectives. He also clarified that this definition was presented to the Supreme Court via an affidavit on February 16, 2010. However, Gehlot promptly added that the Supreme Court had rejected this definition just three days later, on February 19, 2010. He asserted that his government fully respected the judiciary's order, accepted it, and subsequently commissioned mapping by the Forest Survey of India (FSI). **Why Support a Definition Rejected by the Supreme Court? Gehlot raised a critical question in his statement: when the Supreme Court had already rejected this definition 14 years ago in 2010, why did the current BJP government in Rajasthan support the same definition in 2024 and recommend it to a central government committee? He expressed suspicion regarding the reasons behind this move, asking whether it was due to pressure or if there was a 'big game' at play. Gehlot's questions have put the BJP government on the defensive, demanding further clarification on this issue. This indicates that the Congress party isn't merely limiting the issue to. Its historical context but is also questioning the intentions of the current government.

'Save Aravalli' Campaign Labelled as Political Showmanship

Questions on the Seriousness of Aravalli Conservation

Rajendra Rathore dismissed Ashok Gehlot's 'Save Aravalli' campaign as mere political showmanship. He highlighted that Gehlot had initiated this campaign on social media on December 18, changing his profile picture, but prominent leaders of his own party, such as Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sachin Pilot, didn't follow suit. According to Rathore, this demonstrates that the campaign, as claimed, lacks the support of his own party. This clearly suggests that the campaign isn't driven by genuine concern for environmental protection but is rather a strategic move for upcoming elections or other political gains, undermining its credibility. This entire controversy raises serious questions about the sincerity of Aravalli Hills conservation and the commitment of political parties. On one hand, there is the history of the Congress government's recommendation in 2003 and its subsequent rejection by the Supreme Court in 2010. On the other hand, there is the accusation against the current BJP government for supporting the same rejected definition in 2024. Both parties are accusing each other of politicizing environmental issues, which has heightened concerns about the future of the Aravallis. Further debate and clarification are needed on this matter to formulate a clear and effective policy for Aravalli's conservation, one that transcends political maneuvering.

The Way Forward and Public Expectations

Amidst this political tug-of-war, the people of Rajasthan and environmental activists are hoping for concrete steps towards the genuine conservation of the Aravalli Hills. It remains to be seen whether both parties can rise above political rhetoric on this issue and adopt a common approach for the long-term protection of the Aravallis, or if this dispute will remain confined to mutual accusations. The Aravalli Hills constitute a vital ecosystem for Rajasthan and neighboring states, and ensuring its protection is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders. A resolution to this dispute is only possible when all parties focus. On facts and the true objectives of environmental conservation, rather than political point-scoring.