Gurgaon: Citizens and environmentalists have strongly opposed the Haryana government's 750-acre afforestation initiative in the Aravalis, citing both ecological and legal concerns. On World Environment Day, over 100 residents, environmentalists, and wildlife enthusiasts gathered at the Matri Van project site in Sector 55, holding placards reading 'Aravalis Must Be Saved At Any Cost.' They highlighted alleged violations of environmental laws, destruction of wildlife habitat, and unscientific plantation practices within the project area.
Concerns Over Wildlife and Ecological Impact
Participants raised serious concerns about the project's impact on local wildlife. S Oberoi, trustee of the Aravali Bachao Citizens Movement (ABCM), stated, 'The Aravalis do not need to be converted into a curated urban park. What existed here was a naturally regenerating ecosystem supporting wildlife, biodiversity, and groundwater recharge. Our concern is that a functioning forest landscape is being altered in the name of restoration without adequate ecological studies and wildlife mitigation measures.'
Activists assembled under the existing tree canopy near Kholi-Wale Baba Temple between 7 am and 8:30 am. They claimed the site is part of a wildlife movement corridor connecting forest patches in the Aravalis, supporting species such as leopards, striped hyenas, reptiles, and other fauna. Members alleged that natural hillocks were flattened and that the works violated the Forest (Conservation) Act and Sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA).
Project Details and Alleged Violations
The Matri Van project, part of the Centre's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, is planned as an urban forest along the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road. It spans five villages—Chakkarpur, Haiderpur Viran, Wazirabad, Ghata, and Nathupur—and aims to create a green corridor linking the Aravali Biodiversity Park and Nagar Van along the Chakkarpur hill belt. According to activists, large-scale earthmoving activities since August last year have altered the natural Aravali terrain using heavy machinery. Wildlife rescuer Jyoti Raghavan questioned the absence of wildlife mitigation measures, alleging that habitat was disturbed without detailed ecological studies or plans.
Unscientific Plantation Practices
Another major issue highlighted was the plantation methodology. Vaishali Rana, trustee of ABCM, said, 'Native species such as neem, peepal, banyan, amaltas, and sheesham have been planted barely 3-4 feet apart, including under dense canopy areas. Trees are being planted almost like herbs. There is no scientific spacing, and plantation is being carried out inside an existing forest ecosystem. We believe this is contrary to established ecological restoration principles.' Environmentalists argued that portions of a naturally regenerated forest were being modified into a curated urban landscape with walking trails, gazebos, and other public-use infrastructure, questioning the need for fresh plantation where natural vegetation already existed.
Government Stance and Official Response
The initiative was inaugurated last year by Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav and Union minister for housing and urban affairs Manohar Lal Khattar. The Haryana government maintains that the project is intended to enhance green cover, improve biodiversity, and restore degraded landscapes in the Aravallis. A senior forest department official stated that land ownership does not determine whether an area is treated as forest under law. 'The question of land ownership was never a factor. Any area classified as forest is treated as forest irrespective of who owns it and is governed under provisions of the Punjab Land Preservation Act, including Sections 3, 4, and 5,' the official said.
