Aravalli Restoration: From Controversy to Conservation

The Modi government's efforts to redefine the Aravalli region faced backlash, with the Congress accusing it of environmental destruction disguised as conservation. Environment Minister Yadav's recent eco-restoration initiatives clash with past attempts to alter the region's legal definition, which were halted by the Supreme Court.

The Modi government has come under fire from the Congress for its handling of the Aravalli region's environmental policy. On Thursday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav's recent claims of restoring the area, labeling it an attempt at optics management.

Congress claims the government tried to redefine the Aravallis to facilitate further environmental degradation, a move blocked by the Supreme Court. Jairam Ramesh highlighted the Congress's concerns about the government's alleged attempts to 'destroy' the ecosystem under the pretext of eco-restoration.

Minister Yadav announced recent successes in restoring hectares of the Aravalli landscape, with ongoing projects under the National Conference on Eco-restoration. These efforts are part of a larger commitment to rehabilitate 26 million hectares of degraded land nationwide by 2030, although critics remain skeptical given past controversies.

(With inputs from agencies.)