NGT Imposes Strict Deadline for Authorities on Aravali Environmental Concerns
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a firm four-week deadline to multiple government agencies and authorities in response to escalating concerns regarding alleged damage to Gurgaon's ecologically sensitive Aravali landscape. The order, delivered on January 30 and officially uploaded this past Saturday, mandates responses from the Centre, Haryana's principal chief conservator of forests, the state government, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), the divisional forest officer, and the district wildlife officer.
Substantial Environmental Issues Under Scrutiny
These authorities must address serious allegations of unauthorized construction, significant tree loss, illegal borewell operations, and disruption of critical wildlife corridors within the Aravali range located in Gurgaon's Sector 54. The tribunal is currently hearing a plea filed by environmental activist Vaishali Rana, who contends that these illicit constructions are situated within the protected Aravali Range—an essential wildlife corridor that supports diverse fauna and numerous bird species.
The bench, led by Chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and including expert member A Senthil Vel, granted the additional four-week period after the state government's counsel formally requested time to prepare and submit detailed responses for the official record. The case has now been scheduled for further hearing on April 24.
History of the Case and Detailed Allegations
The NGT initially took up this matter on July 28, 2025, noting that the plea raised "substantial issues relating to compliance of environmental norms" and subsequently issued notices to all concerned authorities. According to the detailed July 2025 order, the petition highlighted a comprehensive list of environmental violations, including:
- Rampant unauthorized construction activities
- Dumping of debris and mud to artificially flatten land
- Cutting and burial of fully grown, mature trees
- Illegal digging of borewells
- Filling of natural gorges and gulches
- Installation of electricity poles inside designated forest areas
- Construction of a 1.5-kilometer motorable road through the Aravalli hills
- Noise pollution from loudspeakers
- Plastic pollution within the forest zone
- Unauthorized commercial activities inside protected forest areas
Previous Tribunal Actions and Ongoing Violations
In earlier hearings conducted last year, the tribunal had already taken cognizance of alleged encroachments covering more than 10 acres of Aravalli forest land in Sector 54. These previous violations included the construction of an unauthorized building and parking lot, installation of illegal borewells, significant light and noise pollution, concretization of natural stormwater drains, and operation of an unlicensed commercial cowshed. All these activities are stated to be in direct violation of established environmental laws and the specific protections outlined in the 1992 Aravali Notification.
The Aravali range serves as a crucial ecological barrier and wildlife habitat in the rapidly developing Gurgaon region, making its protection a matter of significant environmental importance. The NGT's latest deadline represents a critical step in addressing these comprehensive allegations and ensuring regulatory accountability for one of North India's most fragile ecosystems.
