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Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday accused the Congress of creating confusion over the Aravalli hills issue for political reasons. Speaking in Panipat, Khattar said the lack of clear legal rules would only encourage illegal mining and cause more harm to the environment. He added that the Congress was trying to mislead people instead of understanding the Supreme Court’s directions properly.

Khattar was in Panipat to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony of a proposed railway overbridge in the industrial area of the town. During his visit, he spoke to reporters on development projects, the Aravalli controversy, mining rules, and the installation of smart meters.

Aravalli issue and mining debate

Reacting to the Aravalli hills controversy for the first time in the state, Khattar said some citizens had approached the Supreme Court because people were not following rules meant to protect the hills. He explained that the apex court has allowed states to permit mining on small hills but not on hills that are 100 metres or higher.

The minister said mining is an important part of development. According to him, if the government completely bans mining without proper rules, it will only lead to illegal mining. He claimed that illegal mining causes much more damage to the environment because it happens without regulation or monitoring.

Khattar pointed out that illegal mining is already a serious problem on high peaks in Rajasthan. He said the Supreme Court’s order helps states control mining activities in a lawful manner. In Haryana, he added, mining is not allowed in districts like Gurugram and Faridabad, which shows that the state is following strict rules.

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He further said that if there had been no court order or legal framework, the damage from illegal mining would have been far worse. According to Khattar, the Congress is ignoring these facts and creating unnecessary confusion to gain political advantage.

Responding to criticism from former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Khattar said there was nothing new in the Supreme Court’s directions. He reminded reporters that in 2006, it was the Congress government that framed similar rules regarding the Aravalli hills. These same rules, he said, have now been referred to by the Supreme Court.

Khattar accused the Congress of reviving the issue after many years only to do politics. He said the party was trying to mislead people by presenting the matter as something new. He also referred to recent debates in Parliament and the Haryana Assembly, saying that the Congress was not ready to listen even when the government responded to their questions.

On the other hand, Bhupinder Singh Hooda had earlier said that the Forest Survey of India report clearly warns that destruction of the Aravalli range would affect Haryana the most. Hooda said the hills act like the “lungs” of the state and help control pollution. He questioned why the Haryana government did not defend the Aravalli hills strongly in the Supreme Court or file a review petition.

Khattar responded by saying that the Congress was selectively raising questions and ignoring its own role in framing similar rules earlier. He said the government is committed to balancing development and environmental protection.

Development works and smart meters

During his visit to Panipat, Khattar also spoke about the proposed railway overbridge project. He said the overbridge would be built at a cost of around ₹52 crore and has been named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A grand statue of Vajpayee will also be installed at the bridge complex.

The minister said the project is expected to be completed within two years. He explained that the bridge will be constructed on a single pillar, making it strong, modern, and very useful for managing traffic in the industrial area. According to him, the project will help reduce congestion and improve connectivity for residents and industries.

Khattar also addressed concerns related to the installation of smart electricity meters. Clearing doubts, he said smart meters are meant to promote discipline in electricity use. He explained that these meters encourage people to use heavy electrical appliances more carefully and at suitable times.

According to Khattar, smart meters will help save energy and reduce power consumption in the long run. This, he said, can help lower electricity bills for consumers in the future. He dismissed claims that smart meters are meant to trouble people, adding that they are part of efforts to modernise the power system.

The minister said the government is focused on development, transparency, and efficient use of resources. He added that clear rules, whether related to mining or electricity use, are necessary to prevent misuse and protect public interest.

Khattar concluded by saying that instead of spreading confusion, political parties should work together to protect the environment while supporting development. He said the government remains committed to lawful development, environmental safety, and long-term benefits for the people of Haryana.