The Supreme Court on Monday stayed its November 20 order on the new definition of the Aravallis, citing public dissent. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot accused Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav of misleading people. He warned that even 0.19% of the area could allow over 27,000 legal mines, causing massive environmental damage.
The Supreme Court stayed its November 20 order on the new Aravalli definition, proposed by the Centre on October 13 and accepted amid controversy for excluding nearly 90% of the hills from protections against mining and development.
In an interview with The Indian Express, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot welcomed the decision, stating, “We welcome the SC’s decision. We were hopeful and expecting such an order because the jan andolan (mass movement) that began across the country—we had merely called upon people to change their DP (display picture)—but the support from the public which rose above politics… and everyone was involved, from students, the youth, to common citizens, activists, and the opinions by experts that helped create such an environment that the SC took suo moto cognisance.”
Gehlot targeted Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, saying, “Bhupender Yadav has a guilty conscience… doesn’t suit a Union Minister to mislead people.” He highlighted an attempt in June 2025 to allow mining in Sariska Tiger Reserve in Yadav's home district of Alwar by altering its protected status. The proposal passed swiftly: approved by the Rajasthan State Wildlife Board on June 24, the National Tiger Conservation Authority on June 25, and the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife on June 26.
On Yadav's claim that new mining is limited to 0.19% of the area, Gehlot responded, “Even if you consider 0.19%, that is still an enormous area where you can have over 27,000 legal mines. Moreover, there would be illegal mining under its cover.” He called a recent order barring new leases misleading, meant “to stop the movement,” and mere compliance with the SC order.
Gehlot recalled that a 100-metre definition was considered in 2003 under his government and submitted via affidavit on February 16, 2010, but rejected by the SC on February 19. He demanded revival of the independent Central Empowered Committee (CEC), now replaced by a ministry-controlled panel. Mining leases were granted under various governments, including his and Vasundhara Raje's, but are irrelevant to the current issue. One hectare allotted to his family was closed upon discovery.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's assurance that “not a single stone in the Aravalli would be damaged” drew Gehlot's retort: mining continues unchecked. He emphasized the Aravallis' role in preventing desertification and easing Delhi's air pollution crisis, warning, “If it’s destroyed, then the environment will be thrown off balance and who will be responsible for it? The coming generations will suffer.”
Gehlot noted the campaign's impact: “Aaj unko maalum parh gya hoga DP badalne se kya hota hai (Today he must have understood what happens by changing DP).” The Congress plans to pursue the matter based on future SC decisions.
