Latest news with #AravallisBachaoCitizensMovement
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Activists allege Aravalli forest destruction under ‘Matri Van' project
Environmental activists and local residents have alleged large-scale destruction of a thriving Aravalli forest patch behind Koliwale Baba Mandir and Sun City, Sector 54, under the Haryana government's 'Matri Van' reforestation initiative. The project, inaugurated by the chief minister on August 2, is being executed by a private developer authorised by the Forest Department, they said. The group has flagged potential violations of the Indian Forest Act, 1927; the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, alleging ecological damage, misuse of heavy machinery in fragile terrain. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo) According to the Aravallis Bachao Citizens Movement, between eight and 10 earthmoving machines have been deployed since early Monday to flatten and clear an area equivalent to two football fields. While the patch is dominated by Vilayati Kikar, they claim it sustains diverse flora and fauna, including ground-nesting birds and reptiles, and that the use of heavy machinery is causing irreversible habitat destruction. 'This is not reforestation — this is habitat destruction,' said Vaishali Rana, trustee of the movement. 'Introducing cycling tracks, yoga centres and recreational structures here is not conservation but an urban park plan to benefit nearby luxury apartments.' The group has flagged potential violations of the Indian Forest Act, 1927; the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, alleging ecological damage, misuse of heavy machinery in fragile terrain, and a conflict of interest in awarding the project to developers with a past record of environmental violations. Col S.S. Oberoi, another trustee, said the choice of site was flawed. 'If the aim is truly rewilding, why target a patch that already has a thick canopy? Restoration should focus on degraded and barren Aravalli stretches, not thriving forest land. Kusum Sharma, chairperson of the Suncity RWA, alleged irregularities in the project's execution. 'I saw a developer's horticulture team removing large logs and clearing trees. They could not show any paperwork or tender documents. If this is part of the Matri Van project, why use JCBs instead of manual labour? The same Forest Department that prohibits cutting even small stems during monsoon is now allowing large-scale clearing.' In response, Forest officials denied the allegations. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Gurugram, Ramkumar Jangra, said, 'As per the plan and directions of the forest minister, we are removing Kikar and planting native species such as pipal, jamun, and banyan to benefit wildlife. The work is being done by forest teams, not private contractors clearing for construction.' Neelam Ahluwalia, a founding member of People for Aravallis, warned of long-term consequences. 'In water-stressed, polluted Gurgaon, the Aravallis are our only water recharge zones and green lungs. Removing mature trees in such critical areas is beyond logic and threatens both residents and wildlife. We need a Green Charter and Liveability Index for the city.' Activists have demanded an immediate halt to earthmoving operations, an independent ecological assessment, and an investigation into the project's awarding process. 'Destroying a forest to 'create' a forest is greenwashing and a betrayal of public trust,' said Rana.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Aravali wildlife at risk: Watering holes drying upin Gurgaon
Gurgaon: A critical wildlife corridor in the heart of the city is under threat. Watering holes in the Aravali forest patch behind DLF-5 — spanning sectors 54 and 55 up to Kholi Baba Mandir area — have dried up completely, posing a grave risk to the survival of its resident wildlife. Wild animals in this habitat include apex predators such as leopards, hyenas, golden jackals, nilgais, porcupines, peacocks, jungle hares, mongooses, and several species of snakes, including pythons and cobras. Environmentalist Vaishali Rana says, "The presence of leopards, in particular, was repeatedly documented over the past two years, with multiple sightings reported in 2022 and 2023. These were covered by national dailies and acknowledged by wildlife experts." "Yet, in stark contrast, forest department officials appear to downplay the ecological significance of the area," Rana says. Environmental activists pointed out that despite repeated appeals to forest officials since June 9, no remedial action was taken to replenish these essential water sources. "Five reminders were sent over the past week, but there was no visible effort on the ground," Rana said. "This is the peak of summer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Windows Users Don't Forget To Do This Before Sunday Read More Undo Without water, animals here are fighting a losing battle for survival," Rana said. Environmentalists and residents have urged the forest department to immediately step in and replenish the dried-up watering holes, which they call the "bare minimum" needed to avert a larger ecological disaster. This forest patch, though now fragmented due to the Gurgaon-Faridabad Highway and Golf Course Extension Road, continues to support a remarkably diverse wildlife population. To compound the crisis, this ecologically rich zone is now being further encroached upon by large-scale construction activity. Trustee of the Aravallis Bachao Citizens Movement Col SS Oberoi said, "This is not just about water anymore. It's about the systematic erasure of the last viable Aravali habitat left in central Gurgaon." In response, wildlife officials acknowledged the issue but said their current focus was on replenishing waterholes in the Nuh region. They assured that efforts are underway to resolve the crisis across the Aravalis, including the affected Gurgaon patch. "Our team is working to replenish the water holes near Sector 54 and 55. Our team was working to replenish water holes in Nuh as we were getting several complaints," wildlife district forest officer (Gurgaon) RK Jangra says. With habitat fragmentation, shrinking green cover and now the absence of water, the three key elements needed for wildlife survival have been gravely compromised. "This is not just a policy failure. It is a moral failure — to protect what little wilderness we have left," Oberoi said. As heatwaves intensify and urban development shows no signs of slowing, Gurgaon's Aravali corridor stands at a dangerous crossroads, one that could determine the fate of its fragile wildlife for decades to come.
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
No wildlife rescue centre in Gurugram even a year after RTI flags crisis
More than a year after an urgent Right to Information (RTI) request exposed the absence of an approved wildlife treatment and rescue centre in Gurugram, the situation remains unchanged, sparking concern among conservationists and legal activists. The continuing lack of infrastructure is being seen as a serious threat to the district's wild species, including those protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA). Filed under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act—which deals with matters of 'life and liberty'—the plea had sought details on available wildlife rescue facilities and accountability for previous wildlife deaths caused by inadequate care. In its January 9, 2024, response, the divisional wildlife officer, Gurugram, admitted, 'Presently no approved treatment/rescue centre is working under this division.' However, no steps have been taken since then to create one. 'There is still no new facility, veterinary staff, or even a designated location,' said Vaishali Rana, wildlife volunteer and trustee of the Aravallis Bachao Citizens Movement. 'One year after this RTI laid bare the state's failure, absolutely nothing has changed on the ground.' The RTI also highlighted the absence of trained veterinary specialists and emergency protocols for treating injured or ill wild animals—particularly Schedule I species such as langurs, Indian peafowl, and monitor lizards. Though the department claimed 'proper treatment' is provided when complaints arise, activists say this vague assurance fails to address the core problem. 'Gurugram needs a fully equipped, government-recognised wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre with round-the-clock care,' Rana added. Forest department officials, requesting anonymity said that current rescue efforts rely on ad-hoc arrangements, with injured wildlife often transported by guards or volunteers to clinics unfit for wild species. The RTI response was forwarded to senior authorities in Panchkula, including the Chief Wildlife Warden, but no follow-up directives have been made public. Advocate Chander Saharan, who filed the RTI, called the inaction 'deeply disappointing' and warned it could expose the state to liability under wildlife protection and cruelty laws. Conservationists are now preparing to approach the state human rights Commission and the National Green Tribunal.
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Illegal use of Langurs in Gurugram triggers outcry, forest minister promises action
The use of a langur to deter monkeys at a residential society in Sector 79, Gurugram, has triggered allegations of animal cruelty and violations of wildlife protection laws. The incident, captured in photographs, shows a man walking the langur on a leash within the society premises, leading to criticism from wildlife volunteers who alleged that this is part of a larger pattern of misuse of the species in the district. 'This practice is a direct violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. It is not just unlawful; it is inhumane,' said Vaishali Rana, trustee of the Aravallis Bachao Citizens Movement and a prominent environmentalist. Rana flagged the case in a formal complaint to the Haryana Wildlife Department, calling it the third such incident in Gurugram within a year. She cited two previous episodes—at a banquet hall in Gwalpahari and in Suncity Township, Sector 54—where langurs were reportedly kept in captivity under cruel conditions before being rescued on January 13. 'These langurs are being captured, transported, and exploited for commercial and residential purposes,' she said, criticising the lack of transparency and enforcement by the authorities. To be sure, the use of langurs to scare away monkeys is a violation of multiple sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Langurs are protected under Schedule I, which grants them the highest level of legal protection. Under Section 9, it is illegal to capture, trap, or use such animals without specific permission. Section 39 states that all wild animals are government property and cannot be kept in private custody. Violations can attract up to seven years of imprisonment and fines under Section 51 of the Act. Wildlife experts say the use of langurs by private individuals, agencies, or residential societies amounts to a serious wildlife offence under Indian law. Rana also raised concerns about the treatment of rescued animals. 'The animals are being rescued only to suffer further. In one case, a langur remained caged for more than a month without treatment and eventually died in a state of neglect,' she alleged. According to her, Gurugram lacks an in-house veterinary doctor, leaving rescued animals without proper care. 'No one has told us what happens to these animals post-rescue,' Rana said. 'We need to know where the animals are kept, how long they are treated, whether a qualified vet is involved, and when and where they are released. It's a matter of public trust and of justice for the animals,' she added. [ANOTHER WILDLIFE ACTIVIST QUOTE ON THE VIOLATIONS] In response, Haryana's forest and wildlife minister Rao Narbir Singh assured action. 'We take such violations very seriously. I have directed the wildlife department to conduct a thorough inspection of the incident and review similar past cases. Prompt action will be taken against anyone found guilty of illegal wildlife use or cruelty,' he said. Singh also acknowledged gaps in the system. 'We are committed to protecting wildlife and ensuring they are treated with dignity and care. If there are gaps in the system, we will address them,' he added, noting that veterinary care and oversight would be improved.
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘Abuse of a protected wild species': Gurgaon activist flags use of langurs by RWAs, businesses to drive away monkeys
The illegal practice of using langurs to drive away rhesus monkeys continues in Gurgaon, with an incident on Tuesday at Mapsko Mountville apartment complex in Sector 79 drawing fresh attention to the issue. In a letter to the Gurgaon district wildlife officer on Tuesday, Vaishali Rana, environmental activist and trustee of the Aravallis Bachao Citizens Movement, stated that the case is the third she has reported in the last one year. '… the repeated illegal and unethical use of langurs by various RWAs (Residents Welfare Associations) and commercial establishments in Gurgaon to drive away rhesus monkeys…is a clear violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and also contravenes provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, as it involves the exploitation, captivity, and abuse of a protected wild species,' she wrote. The letter contains photographs showing an individual, presumably a hired catcher, leading a langur on a leash around the society's premises. 'This act is not only unlawful but also an instance of animal cruelty,' she pointed out. Rana mentioned the previous two instances were at a hotel's banquet hall and at Suncity residential complex, both at Gwal Pahari. In both instances, the langurs were tied up and kept in cruel conditions for extended periods, and eventually rescued by forest guards. She urged the department to take strict action against individuals or agencies involved in any such illegal capture, taming, and commercial use of langurs. Rana further sought that circulars be issued to RWAs and other establishments regarding the ban on such practices and the public be made aware through online and newspaper notices. She also sought information on the rehabilitation process of rescued langurs, specifically, where they are housed post-confiscation, the duration of their care, medical status, and when and where they are finally released. Rana noted that at present the district wildlife department has no in-house veterinarian. 'The langurs rescued from the above-mentioned places were kept captive for more than a month, caged, with ZERO MEDICAL CARE and one Langur died in captivity in utter state of neglect,' she flagged. Speaking to The Indian Express, Gurgaon district wildlife officer R K Jangra acknowledged such cases. 'Whatever cases we get complaints about, we send rescue teams immediately. Practically speaking, we do not have the manpower to patrol or keep a tab on each society. The rescued animals are taken to the city's veterinary surgeons, as our department's veterinarian stays busy tending to animals at the zoo. Regarding the use of langurs, we run several awareness campaigns in schools and other public spaces,' Jangra said.
