Akhilesh Yadav Slams Adityanath Government Over Alleged Illegal Mining in Chambal Ravines

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, of enabling large-scale illegal mining in the Chambal ravines, leading to environmental destruction and the disappearance of entire hills.

In a strongly worded post on social media, Yadav questioned whether the small and large hills near the historic Sumer Singh Fort had been “transferred” to other regions like Basti and Gorakhpur through collusion between lower and higher-ranking officials. He also shared a video clip showing a partially flattened landscape, claiming that the hills had been hacked away due to corruption.

Yadav further criticised the BJP-led government, stating, “Paryavaran kahe aaj ka, nahi chahiye BJP” (In the name of today’s environment, we do not need the BJP!).

The allegations have sparked concerns over environmental degradation in the Chambal region, which is known for its unique biodiversity and fragile ecosystem. The Chambal ravines, historically considered protected land, have been subject to illegal mining activities in the past, raising alarms among environmentalists and conservationists.

The Uttar Pradesh government has yet to respond to Yadav’s claims, but BJP leaders have previously dismissed similar accusations as politically motivated.

With the 2026 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, Yadav’s allegations could become a major campaign issue, as opposition parties seek to highlight environmental mismanagement under the current administration.