Gehlot changes profile pic to 'Save Aravalli', asks Centre to reconsider definition
Jaipur (PTI): Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Thursday urged the Centre to reconsider its definition of the Aravallis, warning that any damage to the mountain range posed a serious threat to the ecological future of north India.
Gehlot, a former Rajasthan chief minister, changed his social media profile picture in support of the nationwide 'SaveAravalli' campaign amid growing debate over mining and environmental safeguards in the Aravalli Range.
It was his symbolic protest against the new interpretation under which hills lower than 100 metres are no longer being recognised as part of the Aravalli system, he said.
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"The Aravalli cannot be judged by tape measures or height alone. It must be assessed by its ecological importance," Gehlot said, adding that the revised definition raised "a big question" over the future of north India.
Appealing to the Centre and the Supreme Court, Gehlot said the issue must be reconsidered in the interest of future generations and environmental security. He also urged citizens to participate in the campaign by changing their display pictures online to draw attention to the issue.
He said the Aravalli range functioned as a natural green wall against the expansion of the Thar desert and extreme heatwaves, protecting Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. Opening up smaller hills and so-called gap areas for mining would allow desertification to advance rapidly, he warned.
Gehlot also flagged concerns over air pollution, saying the hills and forests of the Aravallis acted as the "lungs" of the National Capital Region by checking dust storms and absorbing pollutants.
"When pollution levels are so alarming even with the Aravalli standing, one can imagine how disastrous the situation will be without it," he said.
Highlighting the water crisis, the former chief minister said the rocky terrain of the Aravallis played a crucial role in groundwater recharge by channelising rainwater underground.
"If the hills are destroyed, drinking water shortages will intensify, wildlife will disappear and the entire ecology will be pushed into danger," he said.
Gehlot argued that, from a scientific perspective, the Aravallis was a continuous chain and that even smaller hillocks were as vital as higher peaks.
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Speeding car kills lawyer, injures two others in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): A High Court lawyer was killed after being allegedly hit by a speeding car, which later rammed into a two-wheeler, injuring two others here, police said.
The deceased was identified as N Ramachandra Reddy (61). The injured were identified as Bharath (19), who was riding the scooter, and Swati (23), the pillion rider, police said.
The accident occurred at around 7.28 pm on December 17 and was captured on a CCTV camera, police said.
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According to police, Reddy was crossing the road near RMV Club in Dollars Colony in the Sanjaynagar area when a car, allegedly being driven at high speed in a rash and negligent manner, hit him.
The vehicle then moved forward and collided with a scooter, knocking down Bharath and Swati and causing injuries to them.
The driver subsequently lost control of the vehicle and rammed into two parked cars, damaging all the vehicles involved, a senior police officer said.
Reddy was rushed to M S Ramaiah Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The two scooter riders were taken to Shirdi Sai Hospital for treatment.
The driver of the car, later identified as Shishir Patil (18), also sustained minor injuries and later appeared before the police. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, police said.
Preliminary investigation suggests the accident occurred due to rash and negligent driving, police added.
A case has been registered under Sections 281 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 125(2) (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 106 (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Further investigation is underway.
