Congress, BJP trade barbs after Supreme Court stays Aravalli redefinition

union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention on the Aravalli Hills, asserting the Centre’s commitment to protecting and restoring India’s oldest mountain range.

The ruling, however, triggered a political spat, with Congress accusing the government of duplicity over its proposed redefinition of the ecologically sensitive region.

Following the Supreme Court’s order, Yadav took to social media and said, “I welcome the Supreme Court directions introducing a stay on its order concerning the Aravalli range, and the formation of a new committee to study issues. We stand committed to extending all assistance sought from MOEFCC in the protection and restoration of the Aravalli range.”

The minister also clarified that no new mining contracts or renewal of contracts will happen, emphasising a complete ban on such activities in the region.

Reacting sharply, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh questioned the government’s intent. “Really, Mr Minister? There is no limit to hypocrisy,” he posted on X.

Ramesh described the Supreme Court’s intervention as a “temporary respite” and a “flicker of hope” for safeguarding one of north India’s oldest mountain systems.

However, he cautioned that sustained public and political resistance would be necessary to prevent what he termed as continued “machinations” by the government.

Appreciating the closer judicial scrutiny of the Centre’s proposed redefinition of the Aravalli range, the senior Congress leader called the SC decision a significant setback to what it described as the Modi government’s attempt to open the ecologically fragile region to mining, real estate and other commercial activities.

“The Indian National Congress welcomes the directives given by the Supreme Court on the redefinition of the Aravallis being pushed through by the Modi government. The issue is now to be studied in greater detail,” Ramesh said in a statement. “There is now a temporary respite, but the struggle to save the Aravallis from being opened up to mining, real estate and other activities will have to be resisted in a sustained manner.”

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the implementation of its earlier directions and an expert committee report concerning the revised “definition” of the Aravalli Hills, citing concerns that the changes were being misconstrued and could potentially allow unregulated mining in ecologically sensitive areas.

A vacation bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices J K Maheshwari and A G Masih, said further clarification was required before the revised definition could be implemented. “We deem it necessary that the recommendations of the committee and directions of this court be kept in abeyance,” the bench observed.

The court also ordered the constitution of a new expert committee to study issues that need to be examined or re-examined in relation to an updated definition of the Aravalli mountain range.

Notices were issued to the central government and the governments of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, and Haryana. The SC posted the matter for further hearing on January 21.

The suo motu proceedings were initiated following protests and concerns raised by activists and scientists over the Centre’s notification of the revised definition.

Last month, on November 20, the Supreme Court had accepted a revised definition of the Aravallis and directed the Centre to prepare a comprehensive plan for sustainable mining before allowing any new mining activities in the region.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the sustainable mining plan had already been accepted. However, Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that the committee report and the court’s earlier observations were being misunderstood. “Some clarifications are required, and before implementation, a fair, impartial, and independent expert opinion must be considered,” he said.