Latest news with #Aravalis
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Haryana launches 853-hectare Aravali revival plan to stop desertification
Gurgaon: The forest department will revive 835 hectares of the Aravalis and plant 1.8 lakh saplings across six south Haryana districts – to stop desertification and prevent degradation of ecologically sensitive forests. The Aravali range is the only barrier that stops Thar desert from expanding towards northwest India. A 2022 report by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) had found that around 8.2% of Haryana's total area – or 3.6 lakh hectares – became more arid over the years. Experts had said this desertification was largely because of illegal mining and deforestation. Central to the forest department plan for 2025-26 is the revival of 853 HA of the Aravalis in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Nuh, Palwal, Mahendergarh and Rewari. Under this initiative, over 8,000 saplings will be planted in each district. Other initiatives include agro-forestry – cultivation of trees on the same land being used to grow crops – development of green belts in cities the likes of Gurgaon and Faridabad – and other afforestation efforts. These projects will also help mitigate the effects of pollution and improve urban livability standards. An official said on Wednesday that the forest department will urge local communities, panchayats and institutes to participate in plantation drives. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "Sites are being finalised at the village level, and annual plantation operations (APOs) are being compiled for swift execution," the official said. The department has instructed all divisional forest officers to prepare an action plan and objectives based on district-wise targets. The initiative is set to be implemented immediately, and district officials are supposed to monitor and report back to the department on the project's progress regularly. "This district-specific approach allows us to address the unique ecological challenges and opportunities of each region. By tailoring our interventions to local conditions, we can maximise the impact of our forestry initiatives across the state," the official said. Environmentalists said the forest department should also focus on getting legal cover to protect the Aravalis. Around half of the Aravalis in Haryana are not recognised as forests, and thereby, they are not protected under the Forest (Conservation) Act.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
As Haryana wildlife department asks for inspection of Bandhwari landfill, activists say ‘just a charade'
Gurgaon: Haryana's wildlife department last week directed its officials to inspect the Bandhwari waste treatment plant and list out all environmental norms that were being violated at the site. It was the fifth notice to be sent in less than 12 months to its officials and MCG, which was granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) in 2019 to operate the plant that lies alongside protected Aravali forests . Currently, most of the space at the site of the treatment plant is taken up by a mountain of garbage. Bandhwari is the only landfill where all municipal waste from Gurgaon and Faridabad is dumped every day even as treatment capacity has lagged. The wildlife department on May 12 issued its latest notice to Gurgaon's wildlife inspector. "…compliance of the conditions mentioned in the granted Wildlife NOC has not been met. You were instructed to conduct an on-site inspection and submit a report on the current status to this office, which has not been received yet," the notice by RK Jangra, wildlife divisional forest officer, read. Environmentalists alleged on Sunday that these notices were "bureaucratic charade" that has permitted authorities to degrade the Aravalis with no punitive action. "This cycle of non-compliance has been going on for years," said Vaishali Rana, an environmental activist. "The wildlife department issues notices, demands inspections, and yet the violations continue unabated. The most concerning aspect is that despite documented evidence of serious environmental infractions, the NOC granted in 2019 remains intact, raising questions about the efficacy of our regulatory framework," Rana said. Since June last year, the department has issued five notices – two of which are addressed to MCG for not complying with environmental norms, and the remaining to wildlife officials to inspect the site for taking action. Despite these letters, the plant's NOC has not been revoked – a move that experts argue should have been done years ago given extensive proof of non-compliance. In Aug 2024, for instance, a department survey found that solid waste from the landfill was obstructing a path, which was a critical access road used for filling water in ponds and patrolling by wildlife officials in the Aravalis. A field officer of the wildlife department told TOI that they "documented" encroachment of the Aravalis by dumping of waste and leachate in the Aug 2024 inspection. "This toxic leachate is infiltrating water sources that wildlife depends on. The potential for mass poisoning of protected species is not just theoretical — it is actively occurring while we exchange paperwork," the official said. "Consumption of this contaminated water by animals could be lethal. We are potentially looking at cascading effects throughout the food chain, yet our warnings seem to disappear into an administrative black hole," said Sunil Harsana, an ecologist. Environmentalists pointed to a pattern of flouting norms. The wildlife department in 2021 found in a survey that MCG's waste concessionaire was "intentionally" spilling thousands of litres of leachate from the landfill on to erstwhile mining pits in the Aravalis of Bandhwari. TOI reported earlier this month that truckers carrying waste to the landfill were seen dumping leachate outside the site to keep a check on dust raked up from their movement. MCG officials last week admitted that this was a "serious lapse" and ordered an inquiry into illegal discharge of leachate on the ground. Asked why the NOC was not revoked in spite of proof of violations, Jangra said he has directed the wildlife inspector to carry out an inspection. "We will take action based on findings of the report. We will also write to the chief wildlife warden of Haryana for action this time," he said. Rana said this was business as usual. "Field officers document violations, divisional officers issue notices, and then the process gets stalled at senior administrative levels. Meanwhile, the Aravalis continue to be poisoned day after day, year after year," she said. Asked about environmental norms, an MCG official said on Sunday that the corporation will "investigate" the matter to determine if there are any encroachments. "Waste processing operations have already begun at the landfill site, managed by two separate agencies. If we identify any unauthorised encouragement or violation, we will take swift action," the official said.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CEC: Hry should be proactive in clearing Aravali encroachments
Gurgaon: The central empowered committee, a panel that advises the Supreme Court on environmental matters, this week pulled up Haryana govt for making slow progress in clearing illegal construction and encroachments from protected Aravali lands and told the state to take up the case "proactively". The directive was given at a meeting held by CEC members with Haryana officials to review progress in orders given by the Supreme Court as far back as three years members observed that state officials could not provide clear or convincing explanations on delays for clearing illegally built structures in the Supreme Court, on July 21, 2022, had directed Haryana to remove all such construction on Aravali land notified under sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA). This tag gives the land protected forest status under the Forest (Conservation) Act, thereby prohibiting felling of trees and construction in the last year sought more time from the top court to follow its directives, and the deadline was extended till July 31 this year. But the SC bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan directed CEC to monitor progress. CEC chairperson Sidhant Das said at the Friday meeting that Haryana officials "were not able to give a satisfactory reply" on delays for clearing Aravali encroachments . Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor "It was emphasised that the state govt should proactively work on this aspect and set clear and strict timelines after discussion with the concerned officials of the central govt. The state govt can also think of nominating or posting a dedicated nodal officer for coordinating with the central govt on behalf of the state govt," a document on minutes of the meeting document also noted that the chief secretary, additional chief secretary for environment, forests and wildlife, and financial commissioner (revenue) neither attended the review meeting nor did they present any written submission on their about CEC's observations, Faridabad divisional forest officer Naresh Kumar Ranga, who was at the meeting, told TOI: "The state govt has to submit an action plan regarding compliance. "Senior officers, including the chief secretary, did not respond to requests for comment till Saturday evening. The next review meeting by CEC is scheduled for May Aravalis in Haryana face a unique challenge when it comes to protection and conservation. Large portions of the hills in the state are not classified as forest, and thereby, are not under the purview of the forest department. Instead, much of this land is categorised as private and common village lands, which are under the revenue department. The only protection accorded to the Aravalis in the state is through a series of court orders, among them special provisions of the PLPA. Around 20,200 hectares of the Aravalis in south Haryana are covered under the 2022 top court order to remove encroachments, Haryana carried out a survey and found that 6,793 illegal structures, mostly banquet halls and residential settlements, were built on protected PLPA land in four villages of Faridabad -- Anangpur (5,948), Ankhir (339), Lakkarpur (313) and Mewla Maharajpur (193).Just 30 out of 6,793 structures were razed, and similar surveys across other Aravali districts are yet to be carried Saturday, experts said multiple surveys have been carried out in the past but little action has been taken on the ground. "CEC is justified in criticising the Haryana govt for its slow progress on this issue. Despite numerous surveys revealing illegal constructions , the lack of decisive action has led to further encroachments. Addressing these violations is crucial to prevent the ongoing encroachment of the Aravalis, particularly by individuals within or connected to the govt," said retired Indian Forest Service officer MD Sinha, who was also the former chief conservator of forests for south Haryana."Such delays often lead to further encroachments, damaging forests and wildlife habitats, and creating a fait accompli that further hinders implementation of the law," said Debadityo Sinha, lead for climate and ecosystems at the Vidhi Centre for Legal Agarwal, a forest analyst, said the govt has been dragging its feet in implementing SC's orders. "Hardly one or two days of demolitions have happened in the last year. Demolition should start with commercial establishments, such as banquet halls and farmhouses, which occupy significant areas in the Aravalis. For example, removing 25-30 odd banquet halls and farmhouses and ashrams in Ankhir and Mewla Maharajpur would free up more Aravalli land close to the sensitive Badkhal lake catchment and Asola wildlife sanctuary," Agarwal said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
28-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Why isn't this an emergency, residents living around Bandhwari ask
Gurgaon: "Our lives have become hell," said Sanjay Harsana, who lives in Bandhwari village, a kilometre from the site of the landfill that has been up in flames for the past three days. Residents living within a 3km radius of the landfill told TOI they have been inhaling toxic fumes from the blaze for over 72 hours. Many of them said they have breathing difficulties and irritation in their throat and eyes. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon The waste plant, which was set up along the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road in 2012, has consistently caused pollution – whether it was to the Aravalis surrounding it, or now, to the air they breathe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Miss The Top Packaging Trends Of 2024, Enhance Your Brand With Latest Insights (Check Now) Packaging Machines | Search Ads Search Now Undo "When the plant came, we were promised development and cleanliness. Instead, we got pollution and disease. These fires have been happening every year. There is no safety equipment. Nothing. They have just fooled people, making our lives hell," Harsana said on Monday. Residents of nearby Gwal Pahari, Baliawas, Behrampur and Sector 58 had similar complaints. Vaishala Rana, who lives in a housing society three kilometers away, said, "We saw thick smoke on Sunday morning. This isn't the first time. Every time there's a fire, we suffer too." Many said the govt hasn't resolved this issue despite multiple directions by courts. "Ministers visit during elections and make big promises, but after that, they vanish. Don't we deserve to breathe clean air. How is it not a crime? So many people are breathing toxic air because of the fire. Why is it not an emergency," asked Subhash Rawat of Bandhwari. Villagers said they will block roads and sit on a hunger strike if things don't change soon. The fire, which has been raging since April 26, erupted just days after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) pulled up municipal corporations of Gurgaon and Faridabad for lack of progress is managing garbage piled up at the Bandhwari landfill. The civic bodies, the tribunal said, have "no consistent plan" for clearing legacy waste and setting up treatment facilities to manage waste generated in the two NCR cities. Currently, most solid waste from Gurgaon and Fairdabad is dumped at Bandhwari. The tribunal subsequently directed the corporations to give details of work done by them to clear garbage and a timeline for remediation of legacy waste still lying there. MCG has said that it is drafting a cost assessment report to take approval from Haryana govt and engage more agencies to process the city's daily waste.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘No consistent plan': NGT pulls up MCG, MCF on Bandhwari
Gurgaon: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) pulled up the municipal corporations of Gurgaon and Faridabad for lack of progress in managing garbage piled up at the Bandhwari landfill and said that both the civic bodies have "no consistent plan" for setting up waste treatment facilities. The tribunal subsequently directed the corporations to file fresh affidavits within six weeks with details of waste treated at Bandhwari and a timeline for remediation of legacy waste still lying there. "MCG has not made any significant progress in processing of waste, i.e., only 218 TPD of waste is being processed, thereby adding 1,000 TPD of legacy waste at Bandhwari... MCF is processing 585 TPD waste and putting an additional load of 415 TPD legacy waste... There is no consistent plan of MCG and MCF for setting up waste processing facilities," the bench of NGT chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, judicial magistrate Sudhir Agarwal and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel said in their order on April 15. The rebuke came after the tribunal, which was hearing two petitions filed by Gurgaon resident Poonam Yadav and environmentalists Vivek Kamboj and Vaishali Rana, studied affidavits filed by the corporations on April 9. "After examining the present affidavit dated April 9 and comparing it with earlier disclosures, we find gross deficiencies and gaps," it said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo In its order, uploaded on Tuesday, NGT also directed Haryana State Pollution Control Board to file a fresh affidavit disclosing details of environmental compensation imposed on MCG and MCF within six weeks. In Sept 2022, NGT had imposed environmental compensation of Rs 100 crore on Haryana govt for damage to the Aravalis near the landfill. It told MCG and MCF not to dump any fresh waste at the landfill and set a deadline to clear legacy waste. It will take up the petitions next on Aug 14.
