Jaipur, Dec 24 (NationPress) Rajasthan BJP spokespersons Ramlal Sharma and Kailash Verma have vehemently condemned the misleading claims and confusion propagated by Congress leaders Govind Singh Dotasra and Pratap Singh Khachariyawas concerning mining activities in the Aravalli range.

During a press conference held at the state BJP office on Tuesday, Ramlal Sharma stated that it has been a long-established practice of the Congress party to deceive the public through appeasement politics.

He noted that Congress leaders had previously attempted to mislead the populace regarding issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and now they are disseminating misinformation about mining in the Aravalli region.

Sharma assured the residents of Rajasthan that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led BJP administration, not a single stone from the Aravalli range will be damaged.

He clarified that the objectives of both the state and central governments are to distinctly delineate the Aravalli protected area and enforce a complete prohibition on illegal mining.

"No new mining leases will be granted until a comprehensive plan based on the new definition is established," he said.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the Congress government defined the Aravalli range in 2002, during which the highest number of mining leases were allocated.

"The Congress also implemented the 100-metre rule, under which mining persisted for years. In contrast, the proposed 2025 regulations will secure zones within 500 metres of the Aravalli range, even if they fall below the earlier 100-metre limit," he added.

This, according to BJP leader Sharma, evidently demonstrates that mining activities will be notably curtailed under the new regulations.

He accused Congress of attempting to conceal its own shortcomings while launching unfounded accusations against the BJP-led Rajasthan government.

He stated that Congress is making assertions of illegal mining without substantiation and challenged Congress leaders to cite even one environmental conservation or tree-plantation initiative launched by their party.

He underscored the BJP's endeavors such as the "Ek Ped Maa ke Naam" campaign and plantation initiatives covering 750 acres.

Additionally, he mentioned that the BJP-led state government has taken stringent measures against illegal mining over the past two years.

"In this timeframe, 20,526 cases were registered, Rs 211.26 crore was recovered as fines, 2,228 FIRs were filed, 1,175 individuals were arrested, and 19,744 vehicles and machines were confiscated.

"In the Aravalli region alone, 10,966 cases were documented, Rs 136.78 crore was recovered, 1,002 FIRs were lodged, 10,616 vehicles were seized, and 300 arrests were made.

State BJP Spokesperson Kailash Verma remarked that Congress leaders lack even a fundamental comprehension of the definition of the Aravalli Hills.

He noted that the matter is sub-judice and that both Chief Minister Sharma and State Forest and Environment Minister Sanjay Sharma have asserted that the Aravalli range will remain unharmed.

"Yet, Congress leaders persist in spreading false information for political advantage," he stated.

Verma also criticized Congress leaders for their use of language and remarks, indicating that terms like "organised gang" reflect a decline in political decorum.

He accused Congress leaders of politicizing issues merely to maintain public attention.

In response to Congress' criticism regarding the renaming of the MNREGA scheme, Verma stated that while the BJP named it after Lord Ram, Congress has a history of naming schemes after one political dynasty.

He provided examples such as renaming Ayushman Bharat as Chiranjeevi, Annapurna as Indira Rasoi, Chief Minister Jal Swavalamban Yojana as Rajiv Gandhi Jal Swavalamban, and Deendayal Teerth Yojana as Teerth Darshan.

He concluded by reassuring the citizens of Rajasthan that the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led state government is fully dedicated to environmental protection and that the Aravalli Hills are entirely secure.