SC stay on Aravalli order welcomed by Congress, activists

Rajasthan Congress leaders and environmental activists on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to stay its November 20 order on the new definition of the Aravalli range, terming it a victory for all those fighting for the protection of the hills for the past month.

The apex court kept in abeyance the directions in its November 20 verdict that had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges recommended by a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It also proposed to constitute a high-powered committee comprising domain experts to undertake an exhaustive and holistic examination of the issue.

The Congress and environmental activists had strongly opposed the redefinition and raised concerns over it, claiming that this would lead to destroying the hills by opening them to mining, real estate and other projects.

Following the top court’s latest directive on the issue, former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot termed it a significant step toward preserving the region’s environmental integrity.

“The Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome move. In view of the current environmental challenges, it is essential to plan for the Aravalli region’s future with a long-term vision, considering the next century,” he said.

Gehlot also called on the environment minister to prioritise environmental concerns over plans to increase mining in the Aravalli range. “Thoughts of increasing mining in the Aravalli range, including in Sariska, are dangerous for the future,” he said.

Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully described the Supreme Court’s order as a major victory for the people. “This is a victory for all those who have been fighting for the protection of the Aravalli range for the past month,” he said.

SC stay on Aravallis a big relief, says Aaditya Thackeray

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to stay its November 20 order on the new definition of the Aravalli range, saying the relief, though huge, must be made permanent.

In a social media post, Thackeray said it is also important not to fall prey to the misinformation campaign about the Aravalli Range being safe.

“The stay order from the Hon’ble Supreme Court for the Aravalli Range is a huge but temporary relief. It’s important to seal this permanently,” he wrote.

The apex court on Monday kept in abeyance the directions in its November 20 verdict, in which it had accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges recommended by a committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It also proposed to constitute a high-powered committee comprising domain experts to undertake an exhaustive and holistic examination of the issue.

The former minister said the result would not have been possible without the mass movement of citizens in Rajasthan, who showed that it is the planet that mattered and “not the dirty intentions of those wanting to exploit the planet”.

“I hope that we are able to bring the strongest protection to the Aravalli Range and to nature across the country,” Thackeray said in his post.