Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Congress warns Aravallis face threat from proposed redefinition
The Aravallis are a large range of hills in north-western India.
Jairam Ramesh says government plans to change their official definition could put the hills at risk.
He is worried that this could allow more mining and construction.
The Supreme Court has created a committee to study the issue.
That committee must give its report by November 30, 2026.
The hills help store rainwater underground through their cracks and fissures.
Experts say they can recharge two million litres of water per hectare each year.
Mining has already damaged parts of the range and threatened local water supplies.
Jairam Ramesh said the Aravallis face the “gravest of threats” from proposed redefinition.
He alleged the Modi government’s move could enable mining, real estate and other projects.
Ramesh urged the Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Committee to reject the Centre’s proposals.
The committee must submit its report by November 30, 2026.
Experts say the Aravallis can recharge two million litres of water per hectare annually.
- Who
- Congress leader and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh, the Modi government, and a Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Committee.
- What
- Ramesh alleged that proposed redefinition of the Aravallis could allow mining, real estate and other projects.
- When
- The remarks were made on Sunday; the committee’s report is due by November 30, 2026.
- Where
- The Aravallis, which stretch from Delhi to Gujarat, including areas of Rajasthan.
- Why
- Ramesh says the range is under threat and that mining has endangered its water-recharge and environmental functions.
Critics of the redefinition
Government proposal and development interests
Environmental protection versus development
Critics of the redefinition
Jairam Ramesh and the Congress argue that redefining the Aravallis could enable mining, real estate and other projects, causing further ecological damage.
Government proposal and development interests
The articles describe the Centre’s proposed redefinition and its potential development implications, but do not provide a response from the government defending the move.
Role of the Supreme Court committee
Critics of the redefinition
Ramesh hopes the Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Committee will reject the Centre’s moves and protect the range.
Government proposal and development interests
The committee is examining the issue and has until November 30, 2026, to submit its report; the articles do not state its position.
- Committee deadline
- November 30, 2026
- Water-recharge capacity
- Experts estimate the hills can put two million litres of water per hectare into the ground annually.
- Geographic span
- The Aravallis stretch from Delhi to Gujarat.
- Mining materials
- Mining has targeted sedimentary rocks including limestone and marble.
- Reportedly affected Rajasthan districts
- Kotputli-Behror and Sikar
- Potential development enabled by redefinition
- Mining, real estate and other projects
- Political criticism
- Jairam Ramesh accused the Modi government of pursuing the redefinition.
