Explainer: Amid forest fires, demand for special Aravallis protection force gains pace

In the wake of repeated forest fires, rampant illegal dumping and unchecked environmental destruction across the Aravallis, the demand for a special Aravalli protection force has gained fresh urgency in the NCR.

What is Aravalli protection force?

Announced in 2016, the plan was one of the most celebrated and awaited for Aravalli conservation. The Haryana Forest authorities had announced that a special force would be formed that would patrol the protected Aravallis and curb illegal encroachments, tree felling, destruction of natural wildlife habitat, construction and mining activities. It was proposed to induct former Army personnel, forest guards in the force to man the Aravallis. A 24-hour, toll-free helpline was to be set up for residents to call and seek information on the rescue of distressed wildlife in the region, report tree felling or mining activities. The forest authorities planned to set up special posts for the force in the Aravallis with 11 such posts planned in Gurugram, 15 in Faridabad and nine in Nuh.

What is the current status of the plan?

The plan, even after nine years, is a non-starter. It gained momentum in 2018 with the Centre approving the formation of a task force. The then Forest Minister, Rao Narbir, who also holds the charge now, had announced the formation of the force within 10 days of the approval but nothing was executed. The project has long been shelved.

What has ignited the demand for the force again?

The citizen groups and environmentalists have again intensified call for the special force. The demand gained fresh urgency after devastating fires in the waste landfill. More than 70 acres of forest land across the Gurugram-Faridabad belt was gutted recently. The fire not only burnt down the trees, but put critical wildlife corridors supporting at least 32 leopards at risk. The preliminary investigation revealed that the fire had spread in waste-littered forest. The environmentalists claim the force was now required to check littering.

What does Forest Minister say about the plan?

Forest Minister Rao Narbir cornered by environmentalists has announced that the plan will be revived and the force will be formed soon. The Forest Department will establish 52 security outposts for almost 1 lakh hectares of the Aravallis in south Haryana. As per the plan, nakas (checkposts) will be set up with at least four persons assigned to them for round-the-clock vigilance. He claims to have written to the government to recruit more forest guards. At present, 900 forest guard posts are lying vacant.