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Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Illegal building to car park in protected Aravalis: NGT serves notice to Haryana
Gurgaon: The 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. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon 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."
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Gurgaon environmentalist moves NGT over alleged encroachment, illegal constructions by temple trust in Sector 54
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Monday sought the response of the Centre, the Haryana government, the State pollution control board, and a temple trust in connection with alleged environmental violations in the Aravallis at Sector 54 in Gurgaon. The matter, which will next be heard on October 29, deals with alleged illegal constructions and encroachment by the Kholi-waale Baba Temple Trust at Haiderpur Viran, behind Suncity. The applicant, Vaishali Rana, Trustee, Aravallis Bachao, moved the Principal Bench of the NGT at New Delhi claiming that the encroachments not only threaten fragile ecological zones but also contravene legal mandates restricting any non-forest activities on notified forest land. She has sought the removal of encroachments attributed to the temple trust, restoration of the demarcated forest area to its original state, and a direction to the relevant authorities to ensure that no further encroachment or construction is permitted at the site. The petition also asks for directions for periodic monitoring and enforcement to prevent recurrence. 'The illegal constructions, borewells, road laying, and concretisation of natural features within the Aravalli forest area are in blatant violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900 … encroachment on Protected Forest Land like expansion of the temple complex, cemented parking, metal sheds, and reconstruction of the road amount to illegal encroachment on protected forest land, which is impermissible under applicable forest and land preservation statutes,' the petitioner pointed out. The destruction of natural drainage and groundwater recharge systems due to the complete concretisation of a natural stormwater creek has also been flagged. Further, the petitioner has sought that the approximately 250-300 cattle, currently housed in the allegedly illegally constructed gaushala (cowshed) within the forest area by the Temple Trust, be safely relocated and rehabilitated to a lawful and appropriate facility. In an earlier petition filed before the NGT, Rana had highlighted the disappearance of ponds and water bodies at the Gwal Pahari and Badshahpur tehsils of Gurgaon.
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Has Bandhwari landfill overshot its area? Forest department to probe, demarcate
1 2 G urgaon: The Bandhwari landfill site has seen an expansion over the past 18 months, extending well beyond its legally sanctioned boundaries, according to locals and activists. The landfill has purportedly encroached upon at least 20 acres, which residents claimed is part of the legally protected Aravali forest land, which is protected under Section 4 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), requiring the forest department's approval for non-forest activities. The expansion has raised alarms, particularly due to the spread of leachate—a toxic liquid byproduct of decomposing waste—into the adjacent forest zone. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon The Aravali ecosystem is crucial for maintaining regional air quality and groundwater recharge, and contamination poses health hazards. In response to this, a forest department team visited the site, instructing MCG to take immediate corrective measures to prevent leachate contamination. "Leachate is spilling into the Aravalis. We have told MCG to immediately take corrective steps," said Subhash Yadav, forest conservator (south Haryana). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo The landfill now covers more than 30 acres, intensifying pressure on the authorities to enforce compliance with legal and environmental standards. Despite warnings held earlier, including those issued in March 2023, no substantial corrective actions have been taken. Environmental activists said the problems transcends waste management, highlighting encroachments on protected forest land by a govt agency. "This is not just about waste management anymore. It's a clear case of forest land being gradually eaten up by a govt agency itself," said Vaishali Rana, an environmentalist. Residents, like Harbir Harsana, express edfrustration over the encroachment and its impact on their communities. "Landfill has been encroaching on land which is not earmarked for it. Leachate is intentionally pushed towards our village. We have been suffering. We understand that MCG needs space to process waste, but they need to follow the norms. They have enough land, and they should stick to it. MCG is encroaching on land which doesn't belong to it," Harsana added. The landfill, originally spread over 28.9 acres and reaching a height of 38m, lacks a proper waste treatment facility. Despite this, approximately 2,200 metric tonnes of waste are added daily, exacerbating environmental concerns and threatening the surrounding ecosystem. In response to encroachment allegations, the forest department plans to conduct an official demarcation of the area to assess the extent of illegal expansion and determine if protected land has been compromised. The assessment will likely inform further actions or penalties if violations are confirmed. "We will carry out demarcation of the area and we will get it clear," said Raj Kumar, divisional forest officer (DFO). In September 2022, National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed an environmental compensation of Rs 100 crore on the Haryana govt for environmental damage caused by waste dumping in the Bandhwari forest area. The tribunal urged the state govt to implement corrective measures, leading to formation of an NGT panel. The panel recommended construction of a temporary wall and use of two acres for disposal of daily garbage from Gurgaon and Faridabad to manage the legacy waste effectively.
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Temple trust faces heat over Aravalli encroachments, locals allege civic apathy
A fresh row has broken out over alleged illegal encroachments by a temple trust in the protected Aravalli Forest behind Suncity in Sector 54, with residents and environmentalists accusing the authorities of deliberate inaction despite multiple violations being flagged for months. The protected Aravalli Forest behind Suncity in Gurugram Sector 54. (HT Archive) The temple trust, which had earlier been issued a forest offence report (FOR) and show-cause notices, is now facing serious charges of large-scale unauthorised construction, ecological damage, and environmental violations. Complainants allege that over 10 acres of forest land have been encroached upon by the trust. HT made multiple attempts to reach out to the temple trust, but did not receive any response. Despite the Forest Department issuing an FOR on January 17 confirming illegal construction over 2,300 square meters — including tin sheds and cement structures — no remedial or demolition action has followed in the five months since, complainants say. 'The Forest Department's silence has emboldened the encroachers. Instead of rolling back the illegal structures, they have expanded rapidly,' complainant Vaishali Rana, a Gurugram-based environmentalist, wrote in her latest complaint addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram, the Wildlife Department, and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). Rana alleged they have created a new temple complex adjoining the old one and they have drilled borewells and installed floodlights in the land falls under Sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900. According to residents and environmental activists, fresh violations include the construction of a new temple complex spread across nearly 2 acres, the installation of loudspeakers that disturb wildlife, unauthorised borewell digging, floodlights disrupting nocturnal fauna, and the reconstruction of a previously razed road connecting the temple to Suncity. One of the most alarming claims is that the natural stormwater creek behind the original temple has been fully concretised, preventing groundwater recharge and altering the fragile Aravalli ecosystem. Local sources further allege that sewage from the expanded premises is now being discharged directly into the forest, causing further degradation of the area's ecological balance. Calling for urgent intervention, residents have demanded a demolition drive similar to the ongoing enforcement actions in Faridabad under Sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA). 'The entire stormwater system has been tampered with, borewells have been dug without permission, and the trust is operating unchecked in broad daylight. The forest is being destroyed under the nose of officials,' said Rana, urging the deputy commissioner to step in. 'The destruction happening in the name of religious expansion inside the Aravallis is completely unacceptable,' said environmentalist S.S. Oberoi. 'Protected forest land is being encroached, natural stormwater channels are being cemented, borewells are illegally drilled, and sewage is being dumped into the ecosystem — all under the authorities' watch. This is not just an environmental violation; it's a criminal assault on our last remaining green lungs. If immediate demolition and restoration are not carried out, the ecological damage here will be irreversible.' The complainants have sought removal of all illegal structures, sealing of borewells, dismantling of floodlights and loudspeakers, deconstruction of the illegal road, restoration of the stormwater creek, and sealing of the unauthorised sewage discharge points. They have also called for compensatory plantation for over 200 trees reportedly cut down by the temple trust in recent years. Responding to the allegations, RK Jangra, district wildlife officer, Gurugram, acknowledged receiving complaints and assured that a departmental team will visit the site on Tuesday to monitor violations. 'There's no doubt wildlife is present in that zone. Loudspeakers, floodlights, and unauthorised activity can have a severe impact on their habitat. We will take appropriate action based on the team's report,' Jangra said. Ajay Kumar, deputy commissioner Gurugram said, 'Action will be taken in the matter'. Meanwhile, Akansha Tanwar, regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), added, 'We will initiate inspections and take appropriate action against the violations.'
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Time of India
5 months after offence report, government fails to stop constructions in Aravalis
Gurgaon: Environmentalists are livid at forest department's "inaction" vis-a-vis Aravali forest area, which has led to "expansion of illegal constructions" near Sector 54. More than five months after the issuance of a forest offence report (FOR) as well as a show-cause notice over illegal encroachments in Aravali forest area, no meaningful action was taken by the forest department, environmentalists said on Monday. Members of Aravalli Bachao Citizen Movement say the "inaction" led to the expansion of illegal constructions and activities across more than 10 acres of protected forest land. Environmentalists, in a letter to the forest department, on Monday alleged fresh borewells were dug without environmental clearance this month, violating groundwater extraction norms. They have demanded immediate demolition of all illegal structures, sealing of borewells, removal of loudspeakers and floodlights and restoration of the natural creek. Forest officials told TOI, "We will get a survey done to analyse how much is forest land." Vaishali Rana, a member 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 said high-intensity floodlights were installed, disrupting nocturnal wildlife movement. "An illegal road, previously removed during the Covid-19 lockdown, was rebuilt, fragmenting wildlife habitat," Rana said. Rana, who documented the violations since 2019, expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement. "Over 100 trees were illegally felled in 2019 and despite repeated complaints, no deterrent action was taken. This reflects gross negligence and possible collusion by forest officials," she said. Trustee of the Aravallis Bachao Citizens Movement Col SS Oberoi said, "The natural stormwater drainage line was fully concretised and painted over, eliminating groundwater recharge potential. With increased human activity, untreated sewage from the temple complex is reportedly being discharged directly into the forest." The violations, first formally reported on Jan 13, had led to the issuance of the FOR, which documented encroachment over 2,300 square metres of land protected under Sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA). Despite this, the illegal tin sheds, cemented structures and tiled areas remain untouched. While Faridabad has seen active demolition of illegal structures under PLPA, similar violations in Gurgaon remain unaddressed. Environmentalists warn that continued inaction could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the integrity of the Aravalli ecosystem — one of the oldest mountain ranges in India and a critical green buffer for the National Capital Region.
