Thar Desert could expand up to Delhi, warns Sachin Pilot over threat to Aravalli hills

Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Friday (December 26, 2025) warned that the Centre’s redefinition of the Aravalli hills could strip away protection from nearly 90% of the range, posing grave ecological risks, including expansion of the Thar Desert up to Delhi.

Mr. Pilot joined the National Students’ Union of India’s (NSUI) ‘Save Aravalli – Save the Future’ march in Jaipur, accompanied by his son who made his first appearance on a political stage. The Aravallis, Mr. Pilot stressed, act as a natural shield against air pollution, preserve groundwater, and sustain biodiversity. “If the Aravallis are destroyed, the desert could reach Delhi,” he cautioned.

Police stopped the march at the Government Hostel intersection in Jaipur citing permission limits, after which the protest concluded peacefully.

Citing Forest Survey of India (FSI) data, Mr. Pilot said the Centre’s definition would exclude most of the range. “There are 1.18 lakh hills below 100 metres and only 1,048 above 100 metres. This means nearly 90% of the Aravalli area would go outside the definition and become unprotected,” he explained.

​Green washing: On the Supreme Court, mining in the Aravallis

The Congress leader dismissed government assurances that no activity would occur without permission as “misleading” noting that similar restrictions have existed for two decades without curbing illegal mining. “Despite these bans, mining continues under the government’s nose. What steps are being taken to stop it?” he asked.

Mr. Pilot underscored the Aravallis’ role in preventing desertification and protecting ecology. “Whether it is air pollution, groundwater, or biodiversity, the Aravalli acts as a security shield,” he said, questioning the government’s intent. “Is the government helpless, under pressure, or simply lacking intent?” He criticised repeated clarifications without legal action, pointing out that the Centre has not approached the Supreme Court to resolve the definition issue.

Alleging a broader political design, Mr. Pilot accused BJP governments at the Centre and in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi of acting to “destroy the Aravalli range”. “All these governments seem to be racing to see how fast the Aravallis can be wiped out,” he said.