Activists accuse government destroying Aravali green cover
Environmental activists alleges Haryana government destroying Aravali green cover to push realty
Environmental activists say that large-scale trees have been cut in the Aravalis, particularly in Mangar and Roz Ka Gujjar. Haryana government is trying hard to get its revised sub-regional plan approved by the NCR Planning Board. The activists claim that the underlying purpose is to show that many areas in this region have no vegetation.
Former forest conservator R P Balwan points out that, trees have been illegally cut in the area and transported at night. He believes the reason is to get no-objection certificates (NOCs) for farmhouses and colonization. He adds that the entire area is covered under sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) and Supreme Court judgments cover Aravali plantations fully.
As per the rules, without prior approval of the environment and forest ministry, no non-forest activity is allowed in areas under PLPA notification.
The government recently submitted revised sub-regional plan to the NCRPB for quick issuance of licences for private real estate development. Haryana government has been accused, time and again, by activists of pushing non-forest activities in the Aravalis by bringing more areas under the agriculture zone.
Government earlier proposed to approve Mangar Development Plan — a mega tourism complex — but green activists objected saying that it would destroy a portion of the forest in the area.
Source: The Times of India
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