NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday slammed the Modi government over the Environment Ministry reportedly recommending a new definition of Aravalli Hills, saying this will have "very grave environmental and public health consequences", and calls for an immediate review.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh claimed that the new definition is meant to restrict mining but in reality would mean that 90 per cent of the Aravalli Hills would not be counted as Aravalli any more.

"The Aravalli Hills extend from Delhi through Haryana and Rajasthan to Gujarat. Over the years they have been devastated by mining, construction, and other activities in violation of all regulations and laws," the former environment minister said on X.

Now it appears that this sensitive and sprawling ecosystem will be subject to another severe blow, he said.

"According to an informed news report in the Indian Express, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has recommended to the Supreme Court a new definition of Aravalli Hills. This definition is meant to restrict mining but in reality will mean that 90% of the Aravalli Hills will not be counted as Aravalli any more," Ramesh said.

Evidently, the Supreme Court has accepted this revised definition, he said.

"This is bizarre and will have very grave environmental and public health consequences. It calls for an immediate review," he said.

"The road to hell is indeed paved with good intentions," Ramesh said.