Illegal building to car park in protected Aravalis: NGT serves notice to Haryana
National Green Tribunal
(NGT) has taken cognizance of environmental violations in the ecologically sensitive Aravali forest area near Suncity at Sector 54 and issued notices to Haryana govt, forest department and pollution department, seeking clarification.
The next hearing is scheduled for Oct 29, 2025.
The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by a resident, alleging that more than 10 acres of Aravali land in Sector 54 have been encroached upon.
The plea claimed several violations on the forestland, including construction of an unauthorised building and a parking lot, installation of illegal borewells and light and noise pollution. It also highlighted concretisation of natural stormwater drains and operation of an unlicensed commercial cowshed, which are in violation of environmental laws and the 1992 Aravali Notification.
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Petitioner Vaishali Rana has sought demolition and removal of all illegal structures, a halt to further construction on the forestland, protection and restoration of the wildlife corridor in the area, and formation of a joint monitoring committee to oversee compliance and submit quarterly reports to the tribunal.
"Remove the 1.5km unauthorised motorable road built through the forest and initiate ecological restoration.
Seal illegal borewells and impose environmental compensation for groundwater misuse, sewage discharge, and waste burning. Protect and restore the wildlife corridor in the area. Relocate over 250 cattle housed in the unlicensed gaushala. Form a Joint Monitoring Committee to oversee compliance and submit quarterly reports to the tribunal," the petition filed by Rana pleaded.
The petition details a series of complaints dating back to Nov 28, 2024, when locals first contacted the principal chief conservator of forests.
A site inspection by the divisional forest officer followed on Dec 14. Despite verbal instructions to trustees running the illegal building in early Jan 2025 and multiple written complaints to forest and environment authorities, violations reportedly continued.
Also, key actions were taken after the inspection. On Jan 17, 2025, a forest offence report (FOR No. 014/0519) was issued, citing construction of an illegal parking lot.
On June 23, fresh representations were made to the deputy commissioner and state pollution control board, alleging ongoing violations. The petition alleged inaction and regulatory lapses, even after formal findings by forest officials. Rana, trustee of the Aravalli Bachao Citizens Movement, said, "A large new structure was built over the past two months, including concretised areas, metal sheds and a cemented parking lot, now spanning over two acres.
Loudspeakers installed on the premises play amplified music throughout the day, disturbing wildlife in the surrounding eco-sensitive zone." Activists have also reported installation of high-intensity floodlights, disrupting nocturnal wildlife movement.
Asked about the allegation, a forest said, "We will submit details to the tribunal on the matter."
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