Gujarat AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava announces Aravalli protection convention on December 23

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Chaitar Vasava on Sunday announced that a major public programme will be held on December 23 in Kharoj village of Khedbrahma taluka on the issue of saving the Aravalli hills. Vasava shared details of the event while addressing a press conference.

He said a large public convention will be organised under his leadership, during which a contemplation meeting will be held to discuss possible steps and programmes aimed at protecting the Aravalli through constructive action. According to him, thousands of people are expected to gather at Kharoj, and a memorandum will also be submitted to the government.

Vasava said decisions will be taken at the convention on what needs to be done and in which direction action should be taken to protect mountains, forests and rivers.

Responding to a question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statements on conserving the Aravalli range and the support extended by BJP governments to the cause, Vasava alleged that in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan, forest land is being handed over for mining activities. He claimed that this is being done at the behest of industrialists.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” call, Vasava said that despite such statements, large numbers of trees have been felled in the name of development. He said forests cannot be protected through statements alone and added that tribal communities and people from other communities have historically safeguarded forests.

The AAP MLA further alleged that new laws are being introduced to facilitate mining and mineral extraction for industrial purposes, a move he said the Aam Aadmi Party opposes. He said the party would continue to raise its voice on issues related to the Aravalli hills and forests in Gujarat and would stand with people in efforts to protect them.