New Delhi, Dec 23 (NationPress) Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the government is dedicated to safeguarding the Aravalli range and will not permit illegal mining in any scenario. He emphasized that the recent claims regarding the weakening of protective measures are misleading and politically charged.

In an interview with IANS, Minister Yadav highlighted that the Supreme Court has unequivocally supported the government’s strategy, advocating for scientific and sustainable management of the Aravallis while firmly prohibiting illegal mining.

Here is the complete interview:

IANS: The preservation of the Aravallis has become a national concern. What are your thoughts on this?

Bhupender Yadav: The government is fully committed to preserving the Aravallis. All essential measures will be executed to protect them. The Supreme Court has also issued its ruling. A clear definition for mining in the Aravalli and Aravalli hills has been established. The primary challenge is to eliminate illegal mining. Until a scientific management plan is in place, no new mining will be authorized. The task of crafting this plan has been assigned to ICFRE. Thus, the government is deeply involved in this initiative.

IANS: Has the Supreme Court made any concessions regarding mining in the Aravallis?

Bhupender Yadav: The Supreme Court has not granted any concessions. It has stated two key points: firstly, it has recognized the Ministry’s Green Aravalli Project, and secondly, it has tasked our ICFRE with ensuring that no new mining occurs until a comprehensive plan is developed. This plan will identify the Aravalli hills and assess their ecological sensitivity before any mining can be contemplated. This decision aims to halt illegal mining and facilitate sustainable practices through a structured plan.

IANS: Are mining activities allowed for the first time up to 100-meter-high hills in the Aravallis?

Bhupender Yadav: This matter does not concern allowing mining up to 100 meters. The focus is on identifying the Aravalli hills. They are defined not solely by height, but from ground level. If hills reach 200 meters, the area up to 500 meters around them will also be recognized as part of the Aravalli range. Protected regions will remain entirely safeguarded, with nearly 90 percent of the Aravalli area remaining out of mining zones.

IANS: Will the definition be based on the top or the bottom?

Bhupender Yadav: The definition will start from the lowest ground level upward, based on the district's geological structure.

IANS: What is the Supreme Court’s stance? Is this a departure from the Congress era?

Bhupender Yadav: To combat illegal mining, the Supreme Court established a joint committee involving FSI, the Geological Survey of India, and the CEC. This committee presented its findings to the Supreme Court.

IANS: What was the state of mining in the Aravallis during the Congress administration?

Bhupender Yadav: There was significant illegal mining, which prompted public appeals to the court. This petition traces back to that time. Now, following the Supreme Court’s ruling, we will implement sustainable, scientific, eco-friendly, and limited measures to preserve the Aravallis.

IANS: In 2018, the Supreme Court noted that 31 hills had completely disappeared due to mining. What is your perspective?

Bhupender Yadav: That is precisely why a management plan will be created for each district.

IANS: There are allegations that Chittorgarh and Madhopur are omitted from the new management plan. How accurate is this?

Bhupender Yadav: Every section of the Aravallis will be included. No area is being excluded.

IANS: You mentioned that rumors are being circulated regarding the Aravallis issue. Is there any foreign funding or NGOs behind this?

Bhupender Yadav: Those inclined to deceive will do so willingly. However, they are unsuccessful. The public is now aware of the truth.

IANS: Is this opposition similar to the protests seen during the Narmada issue in Gujarat?

Bhupender Yadav: This is a falsehood stemming from the Congress party’s political discontent. The public has grasped the reality.

IANS: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh once criticized NGOs and foreign entities for protests against the Kudankulam plant. Is the opposition to the Aravallis based on similar reasoning?

Bhupender Yadav: Political adversaries of the Aravallis are attempting to sow confusion. Their efforts have been entirely fruitless.