Gurgaon's Aravalli Belt Shows Sharp Environmental Decline in New Study
A recent pilot study has raised serious concerns about the environmental health of Gurgaon's Aravalli landscape. The report highlights significant degradation over the past decade, marked by shrinking forest cover, disappearing water bodies, and expanding urban areas.
Key Findings from the Baseline Assessment
The study focused on four villages in southern Haryana's Aravalli region: Gairatpur Bas, Naurangpur, Sakatpur, and Sikohpur. Researchers documented substantial land-use changes between 2014 and 2024.
- Forest area decreased by 114 hectares.
- Agricultural land reduced by approximately 429 hectares.
- Built-up area expanded significantly by 323 hectares.
- Water bodies suffered a 20% loss, with seven ponds disappearing completely.
These changes reflect rapid urbanisation pressures on this peri-urban ecosystem. The report directly links the expansion of built-up areas to sustained pressure on natural vegetation.
Biodiversity and Ecological Concerns
The affected villages support rich biodiversity despite the degradation. Ecological surveys documented:
- Nearly 40 bird species using the area
- Leopards utilizing wildlife corridors through these landscapes
- 61 floral species across the project area
Vegetation analysis showed shrubs dominating the landscape, followed by herbs and trees. This pattern indicates forest degradation and altered structure. Notably, 77% of documented species were native, while 20% were classified as invasive-alien species.
Climate and Water Stress Impacts
The study recorded alarming temperature extremes in the area. Surface temperatures reached between 48 to 56 degrees Celsius during peak periods. Researchers emphasized the urgent need for vegetation buffers and soil moisture retention to combat this heat stress.
Water scarcity has become a serious concern. Encroachments and construction on natural drainage systems have altered runoff patterns and impacted groundwater availability. The loss of water bodies exacerbates the region's water stress.
Government Response and Restoration Plans
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav formally launched the report on Wednesday alongside Haryana's Environment and Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh. The ministers emphasized the Centre's commitment to implementing the Aravalli Green Wall project.
This ambitious initiative aims to restore degraded landscapes across 29 districts spanning Gujarat, Haryana, and Delhi. The baseline findings will guide specific eco-restoration works over the next seven years, including:
- Afforestation with native species
- Removal of invasive species
- Soil and moisture conservation measures
- Wildlife corridor management
- Biodiversity monitoring programs
Legal and Conservation Context
The findings emerge at a critical moment for Aravalli protection. The degrading Aravallis currently face scrutiny in the Supreme Court, bringing conservation efforts into sharp focus. The not-for-profit Sankala Foundation conducted the study with support from the Embassy of Denmark as part of a comprehensive eco-restoration plan.
Minister Yadav stressed that the government remains focused on implementing practical solutions to address these environmental challenges. The Aravalli Green Wall project represents a major component of these efforts, seeking to reverse degradation trends through systematic landscape restoration.
