The Aryavarth Express
Mumbai (Maharashtra): Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday strongly criticised the BJP-led Central government over the ongoing Aravalli Hills controversy, accusing it of endangering India’s ecological balance.
Calling it “shameful,” Thackeray took aim at the Union Environment Minister for allegedly justifying the proposed opening of parts of the Aravalli range for mining activities. In a post on X, he questioned the government’s intent and accused the BJP of systematically undermining the country’s natural environment.
“Even if it is a fraction of the Aravalli Hills, why should it be opened up for mining at all? Why is the BJP so determined to destroy every bit of India’s ecology, just as they are damaging our social fabric?” Thackeray wrote.
He further warned that allowing mining in the Aravallis could set a dangerous precedent. “Today it’s the Aravalli Hills; tomorrow it could be the Western Ghats or even the Himalayas,” he said, while praising the people of Rajasthan for coming together to protest and defend the Aravalli range. Thackeray added that stronger protection of natural resources is needed, though he expressed little confidence in the current regime to do so.
Responding to the criticism, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav had earlier clarified that mining is not permitted in the NCR region. He highlighted the Centre’s efforts toward environmental conservation, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Yadav pointed out that the number of Ramsar wetland sites in India has increased from 24 in 2014 to 96 at present. He noted that several Ramsar sites in the Aravalli region—including Sultanpur, Bhindawas, Asola, Siliserh, and Sambhar—were declared during the BJP government’s tenure, underscoring the government’s focus on environmental protection.
The minister also referred to judicial directions regarding the conservation of the Aravalli Hills, stating that court judgments have emphasised protection of the range, particularly across Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Recently, the Supreme Court accepted the Centre’s definition of the Aravalli Hills, which states that hills with an elevation of less than 100 metres are not subject to the strict prohibition on mining. The apex court also accepted recommendations for sustainable mining practices and measures to curb illegal mining in the region.
The Aravalli range, stretching approximately 670 kilometres across northwestern India, is the country’s oldest fold mountain system, dating back nearly two billion years. It runs from near Delhi through Haryana and Rajasthan to Gujarat, with its highest peak, Guru Shikhar, located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, at an elevation of 1,722 metres.
