Committed to protecting the Aravalli hills, says Bhupender Yadav

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the Union Government is committed to conserving the Aravalli ranges during a Rajya Sabha debate on Tuesday (March 10, 2026). The Opposition walked out, alleging objectionable language and demanding an apology.

Earlier, Mr. Yadav had accused the erstwhile Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan of encouraging illegal mining in the Aravalli hills. “The Supreme Court took cognisance because of rampant illegal mining in Aravalli during Ashok Gehlot’s regime. In 2012, when Gehlot’s government in Rajasthan was resorting to illegal mining in Rajasthan, I had raised this issue,” Mr. Yadav said.

Mr. Yadav maintained that the Union Government is resolved to curb illegal mining in Aravalli hills and had banned it in Delhi, Faridabad and Gurugram. He told the Upper House that the government is considering the setting up of a High Powered Committee on the matter, as directed by the Supreme Court.

Mr. Yadav added that the number of protected areas and wildlife reserves has increased substantially from 757 in 2014 to 1,134 in 2026. “The total protected area has expanded from 1,68,838.37 sq. km to 1,87,162.91 sq. km,” Mr. Yadav said, crediting the conservation efforts to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The number of tiger reserves has increased from 47 in 2014 to 58, elephant reserves from 26 to 33, and the Asiatic lion population has risen from 523 to 891. Around 70% of the world’s wild tigers are in India,” he added.

The Minister said tree cover of the country increased from 92,572 sq. km to 1,12,014 sq. km, creating additional carbon sinks in line with its climate commitments. He added that the government had framed Rules on construction and demolition waste, electronic waste, fly ash disposal and single-use plastics to tackle pollution.