Jaipur, Dec 23 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot asserted that Union Minister Bhupender Yadav's declaration regarding the allowance of only 0.19 percent new mining in the Aravalli region is detrimental.

Gehlot indicated that the central government is engaging in “number manipulation” that is jeopardizing the environment of Rajasthan and undermining its federal structure.

He remarked that the assertion of mining being confined to merely 0.19 percent is intended to mislead citizens.

“Illegal mining disguised as legal mining cannot be regulated by any administration,” he explained.

Although Bhupender Yadav has yet to respond to inquiries about the weakening of the CEC and efforts to initiate mining through alterations to the Sariska Protected Area in a mere three days.

Gehlot stated, “The government asserts that only 0.19 percent of the total 1.44 lakh sq km area will be utilized for mining. However, this area encompasses not only hills but the entire land across 34 districts, including urban areas, rural locales, agricultural fields, and plains, all designated as part of the Aravalli region. The actual Aravalli hill range is not nearly that extensive. Mining will only occur on hills,” he added.

While 0.19 percent may appear minimal compared to the expanse of 34 districts, in reality, it will result in significant devastation, Gehlot warned.

He noted that 0.19 percent translates to 273.6 sq km, or close to 68,000 acres.

“If small mining leases of one hectare (2.5 acres) each are granted, this could legally authorize 27,200 mines. The repercussions of mining extend beyond the immediate site. Infrastructure such as roads, disposal areas, crushers, and dust will obliterate vast stretches of arable land, agriculture, and the surrounding environment,”

he elaborated.

Furthermore, Gehlot emphasized that the two amendments to the MMDR Act represent an affront to state autonomy and are part of a strategy to devastate the Aravallis.

“The MMDR Amendment 2021 stipulates that if a state fails to auction a mineral block promptly, the Centre can take over the auction. This is tantamount to forcibly seizing control of state resources. Even if a state opposes mining in the Aravallis, the Centre can still permit it. The MMDR Amendment 2023 indicates that under the guise of ‘critical minerals,’ states have forfeited the right to auction minerals such as lithium, copper, and zinc. In the Aravallis, copper and zinc are found deep underground,”

he indicated.

Gehlot further stated that private corporations will now be granted exploration licenses, enabling extensive excavation within the Aravallis.

He concluded that by redefining minor and major minerals, modifying protected area boundaries, weakening the CEC, and creating a model akin to the alterations made to the Sariska protected area within just three days, steps are being taken towards the destruction of the Aravallis.

“Our position remains unchanged; this is not merely about 0.19 percent, but rather a conspiracy to obliterate 90 percent of the Aravallis. We will not permit the sacrifice of Rajasthan’s environment, agriculture, and the future of subsequent generations for corporate gain. The government must explicitly state whether it wishes to protect the Aravallis or exploit them,”

he asserted.