The Centre on Sunday dismissed allegations that protections for the Aravalli hills have been diluted, asserting that nearly 90 per cent of the Aravalli landscape continues to fall under protected zones.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav clarified that no relaxations have been granted for the Aravalli range and termed reports suggesting otherwise as misleading. Emphasising the government’s commitment to safeguarding the fragile ecosystem, he said false information was being circulated, particularly around the interpretation of the “100-metre” definition.
The Aravalli range spans four states — Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat — and has long been the subject of environmental and legal scrutiny. The minister also pointed out that a petition related to the Aravallis has been pending in court since 1985, underlining the continued judicial oversight of the region.
Reiterating the Centre’s stand, Yadav said there has been no dilution in environmental safeguards and that protection of the Aravallis remains a priority for the government.