Aravalli safari project ‘conservation-driven’, govt defends in SC

Allaying environmental concerns over the proposed Aravalli Zoo Safari Project in  Gurugram and Nuh districts, the government on Wednesday defended  it, saying it was a “conservation-driven initiative” aimed at ecological  restoration, biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism.

In an affidavit filed in response to a petition by five retired Indian  Forest Service (IFS) officers and ‘People for Aravallis’, the government urged the top court to allow it to implement the proposed project of Development of Aravalli Zoo and Safari Park as it was in  consonance with the latest rules, acts and guidelines of the Ministry of  Environment and Forest & Climate Change and the Central Zoo  Authority.

The affidavit filed by Subhash Chander Yadav, Chief  Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Gurugram, said it was proposed to be  set up in 3,300 acres, and not 10,000 acres as originally envisaged.

“The proposed area is located in one corner of the earlier  proposed 10,000 acres and the selected area has canopy density of less  than 40% and is infested with invasive species in most of the area. The  wildlife corridor will not be affected with the establishment of the  proposed safari park in any manner,” the affidavit stated.

It alleged  that the application filed by ex-IFS officers was “based on factual  inaccuracies, misinterpretation of law, and outdated project details”.

A  Bench led by CJI BR Gavai had, on October 8, issued a notice to the Haryana  Government and ordered that until further orders, the government  shall not take further steps for the establishment of the project.

The Bench made it clear that the stay shall  continue till further orders and posted the matter for hearing on  November 11. Citing possible adverse environmental impact on the  Aravallis, the  petitioners alleged that the project prioritised commercial interests  over environmental restoration.

However, asserting that  the project was not aimed at commercial gains, the affidavit said “as per the amended Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan)  Adhiniyam 1980, the establishment of zoos and safaris have been  considered as forestry activity.”

“The Aravalli Safari Park Project is a conservation-driven initiative by the Forest & Wildlife Department,  Government of Haryana, aimed at ecological restoration, biodiversity  conservation, and sustainable eco-tourism in compliance with the Van  (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, Wildlife (Protection) Act,  1972, and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest  & Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Central Zoo Authority (CZA) from time  to time,” it stated.

It said the project will revive  native flora and fauna, replacing invasive species with local vegetation  and enhance groundwater recharge through soil and water conservation,  supported by a 3 MLD treated wastewater pipeline recharging more than 10  water bodies.

The government said, “A specific Committee has been constituted  by the State Government vide order dated 22.01.2025 to oversee various  issues related to the proposed project on ‘Development of Zoo and  Wildlife Safari in Aravalli region of Haryana’ under the Chairpersonship  of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) & Chief  Wildlife Warden, Haryana. Even experts like Sh. S. P. Yadav, Retd. IFS,  Secretary General, Big Cat Alliance and Advisor, Cheetah Project, and  other forest officers of the fields are the members of the Committee and are technical experts in the matter.”