DLF project sparks outcry in Aravallis, activists protest outside minister’s home

The DLF Group has landed in controversy over the alleged felling of nearly 2,000 trees across 40 acres of land in DLF Phase 5, Gurugram, reportedly to develop a new real estate project. Residents and environmental activists claim the builder is “destroying the Aravallis” and have launched protests and official petitions seeking an immediate halt to the activity.

Representatives of the Aravalli Bachao citizens' movement staged a protest outside Forest Minister Rao Narbir’s residence. Though the minister was unavailable, his staff assured protesters that action would be taken by the weekend. The citizens have also written to the Chief Minister, Union Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav and the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) appointed by the Supreme Court. An online signature campaign has been launched to gather wider support.

“They are destroying the Aravallis. Around 2,000 trees will be axed in this patch. If they bought the land, then we say the sale was illegal and needs to be investigated,” said Vaishali Rana Chandra, trustee of Aravalli Bachao. “We’ve been sharing visuals of reckless felling and land levelling with forest authorities, but they claim it's not forest land. Anybody can look at the visuals and see that it is. Gurugram cannot afford more tree loss for luxury residences with Aravalli views.”

Despite repeated attempts, DLF has not issued an official statement. However, a senior company official, speaking off the record, claimed the land was private property and that all due permissions had been obtained for development. “There is nothing illegal,” the source said.

When contacted, Subhash Yadav, Chief Conservator of Forests (South Haryana), said: “This is not a forest or forest land. It is private property owned by DLF for years. Some kikar had grown on it, and the company sought permission to clear it. As per current norms, we have no jurisdiction to intervene.”

Activists allege DLF is violating tree-felling permissions by working at night and conducting large-scale ground levelling. They are also demanding an environmental impact assessment regarding the effect on local wildlife.

“This is a lush urban forest that supports fauna, including leopards. The builder itself has issued alerts in the past about leopard sightings here,” stated the citizens’ representation to the CM. “Legal permissions aside, what about the ecological concerns?”

They warned that if no action is taken, they will move the Supreme Court to protect the fragile Aravalli ecosystem.