Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has responded sharply to the renewed political debate over mining in the Aravalli region, questioning attempts to link past mining allotments with current environmental concerns.
Addressing the controversy, Gehlot said that mines in the Aravalli belt were allotted during earlier BJP governments as well as during Congress-led tenures, and argued that selectively blaming one government ignores the historical context of the issue.
“Decisions Span Multiple Governments”
Gehlot stated that mining activity in the Aravallis is not a recent development and has continued across different political regimes. According to him, approvals and leases were granted years ago under established legal frameworks.
“If mines were allotted earlier — some during BJP rule and some during our tenure — how is that suddenly being connected to what is happening now?” he asked.
Political Targeting Alleged
The senior Congress leader suggested that the issue is being raised for political mileage, rather than for genuine environmental protection. He maintained that environmental governance requires consistency and long-term policy, not selective accusations.
Gehlot also pointed out that many mining leases are governed by court orders, central guidelines, and legacy permissions, limiting the scope for sudden administrative reversals.
Aravallis and Environmental Sensitivity
The Aravalli range is considered ecologically critical for:
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Groundwater recharge
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Preventing desertification
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Regulating air quality in north India
Mining in the region has long been a subject of legal scrutiny, including Supreme Court interventions and environmental restrictions.
Call for Institutional Solutions
Rather than politicising the issue, Gehlot called for institutional and legal clarity, suggesting that environmental protection should be handled through:
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Strong enforcement mechanisms
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Clear judicial compliance
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Scientific environmental assessments
He emphasised that sustainable solutions cannot be achieved through blame games between ruling and opposition parties.
Ongoing Debate
The Aravalli mining debate continues to be a flashpoint in Rajasthan politics, with environmental groups, courts, and political parties offering competing narratives on responsibility and accountability.
Gehlot’s remarks add to the growing pushback against what the Congress sees as selective political targeting, while the larger question of protecting the fragile Aravalli ecosystem remains unresolved.
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