The Congress accused the Modi government of undermining the ecological integrity of the Aravallis by redefining the mountain range. Jairam Ramesh questioned the move’s intent, warned of increased mining and real estate pressure, and alleged that expert recommendations were being ignored
Haryana notified a new definition of “forest,” requiring 40% canopy density and minimum 2–5 hectares. Experts warn this excludes much of the Aravallis’ scrub and open forests from Forest Conservation Act protection, risking further exploitation under mining and development projects