The Aravalli mountain range, a natural shield for North India and a crucial ecological corridor, is once again at the center of a legal battle. In a significant development, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken decisive action against a real estate firm and government authorities, issuing a stern notice over widespread illegal construction. This move underscores the growing urgency to protect this ancient mountain range from unchecked urban expansion and development, which poses a severe threat to its fragile ecosystem and the well-being of the region. The NGT’s notice, issued in response to a petition filed by an environmental activist, highlights a series of blatant violations and a perceived lack of regulatory oversight. This is not the first time the Aravallis have faced such a threat, but the scale of the alleged violations and the NGT’s direct intervention signal a potential turning point in the ongoing struggle for environmental conservation in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Petition and Its Allegations : Aravalli
The case, brought to the NGT by a concerned resident, centers on a massive construction project near the Wazirabad ridge, a critical part of the Aravallis in Gurgaon. The petition details a series of serious allegations, including:
- Construction without Clearance: The primary accusation is that the real estate firm (Aravalli) began a large-scale project, covering an area of over 4 lakh square meters, without obtaining the necessary environmental clearance. This is a direct violation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, which mandates a thorough environmental assessment for any new construction project of this magnitude.
- Destruction of Natural Habitat: Photographs and Google Earth images submitted with the petition reportedly show significant construction activity right at the edge of the forest. This includes the building of concrete structures, sheds, and a large parking lot, which directly encroaches upon the ecologically sensitive zone. The petition claims these activities are causing irreversible damage to the Wazirabad ridge.
- Lack of Government Action: The NGT’s notice also extends to several government bodies, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF), the Haryana government, the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), and the state pollution board (HSPCB). The petition suggests that these authorities failed to act on the alleged violations, despite the severity of the environmental damage. This perceived inaction has been a recurring concern for environmentalists, who argue that a lack of enforcement has emboldened developers to violate environmental laws with impunity.
NGT's Directive Regarding Aravalli and the Path Forward
The NGT, after examining the evidence presented of Aravalli, has issued notices to all the implicated parties, directing them to file their responses before the next hearing. This order is a crucial step towards accountability and is expected to shed light on the regulatory lapses that may have allowed the construction to proceed. The tribunal’s firm stance sends a clear message that environmental violations, especially in a sensitive region like the Aravallis, will not be tolerated.
The case brings to the forefront a long-standing issue: the conflict between rapid urbanization and the preservation of natural ecosystems. The Aravallis are not just a geographical feature; they are a lifeline for the NCR, acting as a crucial groundwater recharge zone, a natural barrier against desertification, and a home to diverse flora and fauna. Environmentalists have consistently warned that the destruction of this ancient mountain range will have severe and long-lasting consequences for the climate and overall environmental health of the region. The current NGT notice represents a critical moment to reaffirm the importance of environmental protection over commercial interests.
The upcoming hearing will be closely watched by environmental activists, government officials, and the real estate industry alike. The outcome of this case could set a powerful precedent for future development projects in ecologically sensitive areas. It is a stark reminder that the long-term health of our environment must take precedence over short-term economic gains.
Source:- TOI
