DIRECT ANSWER: Ashok Gehlot's accusation centers on alleged policy changes by the Union government that undermine the protection of the Aravalli range, a critical ecologically sensitive area. This highlights significant challenges in Aravalli Conservation Challenges, particularly concerning federal control over natural resource exploitation versus state-level environmental stewardship.
Why in News?
The former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, publicly accused the Central Government of facilitating the commercial exploitation of the Aravalli hills, specifically referencing changes in forest and land use laws that allegedly pave the way for 'selling' these sensitive environmental assets for mining and construction projects.
What is the Concept / Issue?
The core issue is the legislative and administrative conflict regarding the definition and protection of the Aravalli range. Policy changes, such as amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act (FCA) and subsequent state policies (e.g., concerning land demarcation), are being scrutinized for diluting existing environmental safeguards, leading to easier diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, pitting developmental needs against ecological preservation.
Why is this Issue Important?
- Strategic: The Aravallis act as a crucial ecological barrier, recharging groundwater, checking desertification in the West, and controlling pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR).
- Economic: The controversy involves billions in potential revenue from mining, real estate development, and infrastructure projects, contrasting sharply with the long-term economic cost of ecological degradation.
- Geopolitical/Social: It raises questions of environmental justice and federal structure, where state governments feel their jurisdiction over local natural resources is being overridden by central legislation favorable to specific corporate interests.
Key Sectors / Dimensions Involved
- Dimension 1: Environmental Governance and Conservation Law (e.g., interpretation of the Forest Conservation Act and Supreme Court directives regarding forest definition).
- Dimension 2: Centre-State Relations (Federalism) concerning control, regulatory power, and revenue sharing derived from natural resources.
- Dimension 3: Land Use Planning and Urban Development (The intense pressure exerted by rapid urbanization in the NCR region on the Aravalli's fragile landscape).
What are the Challenges?
- Lack of a clear, uniformly accepted legal definition for "forest" or "Aravalli range," leading to exploitation loopholes.
- Political and institutional resistance to enforcing conservation laws due to powerful mining and real estate lobbies.
- Balancing the imperative for infrastructure development and economic growth with the irreversible consequences of ecological damage (e.g., water scarcity, air pollution).
UPSC Relevance
Prelims Focus:
- Geographical extent, highest peak (Guru Shikhar), and ecological role of the Aravalli range.
- Key environmental legislations: Forest (Conservation) Act (FCA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
- Basic structure of Centre-State relations regarding resource management (Concurrent list vs. State list).
Mains Angle:
GS Paper II / III – Environmental governance, conservation challenges, and the impact of policy changes on ecologically sensitive areas (GS III). Issues relating to Federalism concerning control over natural resources and environmental policy implementation (GS II).
How UPSC May Ask This Topic:
The Aravalli range is crucial for the ecological security of Northern India, yet it faces unprecedented developmental pressures. Critically analyze the challenges posed by recent policy shifts regarding resource control and suggest viable governance models to balance conservation and necessary economic development.
What is the Way Forward?
- Mandatory inclusion of the entire geomorphological Aravalli structure under clear legal protection, regardless of current land records (following the Supreme Court's precautionary principle).
- Strengthening independent environmental impact assessment processes and ensuring stricter public consultation before diverting ESA land.
- Establishing cooperative federal mechanisms where the Centre supports State efforts in conservation rather than centralizing control over revenue-generating resources.