Jaipur, Dec 16 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has vehemently condemned the Central government's position regarding the Aravalli range, deeming it a significant threat to both the environment and future generations.

In response to the Central government’s report submitted to the Supreme Court, Gehlot stated, “The Aravalli is not merely a mountain range in Rajasthan; it serves as our protective barrier. Reducing its safeguarded area to just 100 metres is essentially signing the death certificate for 90 percent of the Aravalli range in the state.”

He cautioned that such a decision would strip the majority of the Aravalli hills of their legal protection.

“Roughly 90 percent of the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan stand at less than 100 metres in height. Excluding them from the definition doesn't merely alter terminology; it removes legal protections. This implies that the Forest Conservation Act will no longer be applicable, paving the way for unrestricted mining,” he explained.

Gehlot criticized the recommendation as scientifically flawed, adding, “A mountain's identity isn't based on its height, but rather its geological composition. Even a modest hill or rock is part of the same tectonic plate and mountain system as a towering peak. Disassociating them contradicts scientific principles.”

The former Chief Minister forewarned of dire ecological implications. “The Aravalli serves as a barrier that halts the encroachment of the Thar Desert. Experts assert that even ridges as low as 10 to 30 metres can effectively mitigate dust storms. Allowing mining in these hills is an open invitation for the desert to advance towards Delhi and eastern Rajasthan,” he cautioned.

Emphasizing the ongoing water crisis, Gehlot remarked, “The rocky formation of the Aravalli retains rainwater and aids in recharging groundwater supplies. These hills represent lifelines for northwestern India. Their destruction would herald drought in an already water-scarce region.”

He added, “The Aravalli acts as a barrier against the lethal ‘loo’ winds from the west and prevents the Thar Desert from invading the fertile lands of eastern Rajasthan, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.”

Gehlot condemned the decision as an incentive for illegal mining, stating, “This is not about preserving the environment. It is a welcome mat for the mining mafia. Future generations will not forgive the injustices being enacted by allowing the Thar Desert to approach Delhi.”

Pointing out the irony, he noted, “This Supreme Court session commenced with the intent to identify and protect the Aravalli range. Instead, the Centre’s recommendation, now accepted, has technically caused 90 percent of the Aravalli to ‘vanish’.”

Concluding with a plea for judicial intervention, Gehlot urged, “I implore the Supreme Court to re-evaluate this decision for the sake of future generations. This decision is a direct invitation to devastation.”