Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed concern over Union Minister Bhupender Yadav’s proposal to allow only 0.19% new mining in the Aravalli region, labeling it as destructive. Gehlot accused the Union government of manipulating numbers to the detriment of Rajasthan’s environment and federal structure. He emphasized that the assertion of restricting mining to 0.19% is misleading to the public.
Gehlot highlighted the challenge of controlling illegal mining camouflaged under legal operations, emphasizing the potential risks. He criticized the government’s plan to permit mining in the Aravalli area, stating that the proposed 0.19% mining allocation covers a significant land area, including hills, cities, villages, and plains, which could lead to substantial environmental impact.
The former CM raised concerns about the potential consequences of allowing numerous small mining leases within the specified area, estimating that it could result in significant environmental degradation. Gehlot further criticized amendments to the MMDR Act, viewing them as an encroachment on state autonomy and a threat to the Aravalli region’s ecosystem. He warned against the potential exploitation of critical minerals like lithium, copper, and zinc in the Aravallis by private companies.
