Rajasthan Opposition leader, MPs and ecologists seek wider consultation on Aravallis

Opposition MPs, MLAs, and environmental experts in Rajasthan have called for the Supreme Court's high-powered committee reviewing the Aravalli definition to engage more with mining-impacted communities and seek more time to complete its report. The deadline to submit the report is August 31. Rajasthan's Leader of Opposition, Tika Ram Jully, highlighted gaps in stakeholder engagement and noted the committee's lack of representation across all districts, despite the Aravallis' extensive coverage across the state.

Parliamentarians Rajkumar Roat, Bharat Adivasi Party MP from Banswara, and Amra Ram, CPI(M) MP from Sikar, submitted their views, emphasizing health and environmental issues faced by local communities due to mining activities in the Aravallis. The committee had sought stakeholder comments during a 21-day period that ended on August 11, but civil society groups and mining-impacted communities have urged the panel to extend its deadline and conduct face-to-face discussions with affected individuals.

Roat, belonging to the Bhil community, stressed the long-standing presence of tribal people in the Aravalli hills and forests and the severe damage caused by mining leases. Amra Ram demanded protection for the Girjan river and forests, sacred groves, and cancellation of mining leases violating regulations. Ecologist Pradip Krishen highlighted the historic opportunity to save the natural barrier against desertification and the need for a comprehensive environmental and social impact study across all 63 Aravalli districts.