Ashok Gehlot accuses the Centre of using “statistical wizardry” on Aravalli mining, warning it will trigger large-scale environmental damage in Rajasthan.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot addressing the media over the Centre’s decision on mining in the Aravalli region (Photo: ANI)
Jaipur: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday said that Union Minister Bhupender Yadav’s decision regarding only 0.19 per cent new mining in the Aravalli region is environmentally devastating as the central government is engaging in statistical wizardry and consulting to damage state's environment structure.
In a video statement, the senior Congress leader hitting back at the BJP-led central government said that the ir is engaging in "statistical wizardry" and conspiring to damage Rajasthan’s environment and federal structure.
"Furthermore, Yadav has not responded to questions raised yesterday regarding the weakening of the CEC and attempts to change the protected area of Sarisaka within just three days to facilitate mining," the Congress leader said.
Gehlot said that the Union Minister's claim—that mining will occur in only 0.19 per cent of the area—is an attempt to mislead the public.
He emphasized that once legal mining begins, no government will be able to stop the illegal mining that follows in its wake.
The former chief minister explained the game of numbers versus reality and pointed out that the government claims that only 0.19 per cent of the total 1.44 lakh sq. km area will be used for mining.
"However, the reality is that this 1.44 lakh sq. km area does not consist solely of mountains; the government has categorized the entire area of 34 districts (including cities, villages, farms, and plains) as the "Aravalli Region", he said.
He said the actual Aravalli mountain range is not that vast and mining occurs only on the mountains.
"While 0.19 per cent of the total area of 34 districts sounds small, its impact on the ground will be catastrophic," Gehlot asserted.
Pointing out that 68,000 acres and thousands of mines citing statistics, the former chief minister said that 0.19 per cent translates to 273.6 sq. km, or roughly 68,000 acres of land.
"If small mining leases (1 hectare / 2.5 acres) are granted, 27,200 mines will be legally allotted in this area," he highlighted.
"The impact of mining is not confined to the mine itself. The construction of roads, dumping yards, crushers, and flying dust will ruin millions of acres of surrounding fertile agricultural land and the overall environment," he said.
Gehlot also described the two amendments made to the MMDR Act by the Central Government as an attack on state autonomy and a conspiracy to destroy the Aravalli.
Pointing out the MMDR Amendment 2021, he said, the Center has usurped the power of the states by enacting a rule that if a state government fails to conduct an auction on time, the Central government can conduct the auction itself.
"This is akin to the forced seizure of state natural resources. Consequently, even if a state government refuses to allow mining in the Aravalli, the Center can initiate it," the Congress leader said.
Citing the MMDR Amendment 2023, he said that under the guise of "Critical Minerals," the right to auction minerals like Lithium, Copper, and Zinc has been taken away from states.
"In the Aravalli, Copper and Zinc are found deep underground. Now, by granting "Exploration Licenses" to private companies, they will be given a free hand to excavate the Aravalli," he claimed.
Gehlot stated that preparations are being made to finish the Aravalli by changing the definitions of minor and major minerals and tampering with the boundaries of Protected Areas.
"The weakening of the CEC, the creation of a model to change the Sarisaka Protected Area in just three days, and the restriction of state powers are all aimed at destroying the Aravalli. "Our allegation remains that this is a conspiracy to destroy not 0.19 per cent, but 90 per cent of the Aravalli," he said.
"We will not allow the environment of Rajasthan, its agriculture, and the future of coming generations to be sacrificed for 'corporate profits.' The government must clarify whether it wants to save the Aravalli or sell it," Gehlot concluded.
The former chief minister has launched the change the profile picture on X to save the Aravali hills.
The remarks from the Congress leader came a day after Yadav on Monday addressed a press conference amid outrage over the "new definition" of the Aravali range, saying that "no new mining leases will be permitted, especially in core, protected and ecologically sensitive areas, including the NCR".
Following the Supreme Court’s acceptance that any landform located in the Aravali districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more from the local relief would be classified as Aravali Hills.
On Monday, protest erupted in several parts of Rajasthan to save Aravali Hills.
