Jaipur, Dec 23 (IANS) Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra on Tuesday expressed concern over recent developments related to the Aravalli mountain range, suggesting that mining activities could expand significantly if current plans proceed.
Speaking at the state Congress headquarters in Jaipur, Dotasra said the report submitted by the Central government to the Supreme Court appeared to reflect growing pressure to allow mining in the Aravallis, which he described as an ecological lifeline for Rajasthan. He cautioned that nearly 90 per cent of the range could be affected, with large areas potentially opened to mining interests.
Dotasra noted that leaders from Alwar had been appointed to key positions, including Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Rajasthan Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma, and suggested this was part of a broader policy approach. He added that the state’s Mining and Home portfolios are also held by the Chief Minister, while the Union Environment Minister is from Rajasthan, which he said underscores the importance of coordinated decision-making.
Referring to the BJP’s election manifesto, Dotasra said the party had promised to create a green corridor to protect the Aravallis, but he believes the current trajectory risks turning the region into a mining corridor. He also drew a parallel with earlier debates around electoral bonds, suggesting that mining leases could become a source of funding for industrial interests.
He pointed out that Rajasthan already has the highest number of mining leases in the country and questioned attempts to alter the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) area of Sariska, which the Supreme Court did not allow.
Dotasra highlighted the cultural and religious significance of the Aravalli range, listing several shrines located there, including Parshuram Mahadev (Pali), Harshnath (Sikar), Pandupole Hanuman Temple and Neelkanth Mahadev (Alwar), Galta and Khole Ke Hanumanji (Jaipur), Eklingji and Rishabhdev (Udaipur), Lohargal (Jhunjhunu), Delwara, Achalgarh, and Kumbhalgarh. He said preserving the ecological surroundings of these sites is important for both faith and heritage.
He also commented on statements made by BJP leaders Arun Chaturvedi and Rajendra Rathore, noting that such discussions should ideally come from the Mining Minister. Dotasra said institutions like the Rajasthan Finance Commission, chaired by Chaturvedi, should remain free from political influence.
The Congress leader reiterated that his party will continue to raise questions about the future of the Aravalli range and called for transparency and accountability from both the Central and state governments.
–IANS
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