Haryana: Greens seek special fiscal package for Aravalli conservation in Budget

As Haryana prepares to present its Budget for 2026-27, environmental groups have sought a special fiscal package for the conservation of the Aravalli range, terming it one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the state.What environmentalists seekConstitution of an Aravalli Task Force and anti-mining, anti-encroachment forceSpecial package for leopard conservation, habitat restorationRevamp of the forest departmentRevival package for lost water bodies and aquifersProtection of pre-historic relics and cave paintingsSetting up of an Aravalli awareness centre and museumEnvironmentalists from six districts where the Aravalli hills are spread have urged the government to announce a dedicated budgetary package to arrest the rapid degradation of the forest, check mining and address long-pending protection gaps. They have also criticised the government’s claim of holding consultations with all sections for pre-Budget suggestions, alleging that environmental stakeholders were largely ignored.“Aravalli is one of the key issues ailing Haryana and the state needs to take it up in its budget. The forest is endangered and protection remains a confused issue. Promises made 10 years ago remain shelved even though we have the same forest minister. The Chief Minister has met all sections but did not care to meet environmentalists to understand their concerns or issues. Haryana is in the red zone when it comes to environment and we need special fiscal attention to Aravalli protection,” the Aravali Bachao Trust said in a communication to the Chief Minister.The greens have demanded the constitution of a dedicated Aravalli Task Force to curb deforestation, illegal mining and encroachments. They have also sought a revamp of the forest department, citing acute shortages of staff and funds. Special budgetary support has been sought for core ecological zones such as Mangar Bani, which is home to pre-historic relics and ancient cave paintings.Among other demands are the restoration and revival of lost water bodies and aquifers, protection of wildlife — especially leopards — and the creation of special conservation bodies backed by enforcement wings to prevent further degradation of the fragile ecosystem.The issue has also found support at the political level. Local MP and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh recently raised similar concerns in a pre-Budget letter to the Chief Minister. Referring to the “deepening public concern” in south Haryana over environmental degradation, Singh warned that builders were eyeing the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region.In his letter, the Union Minister underlined that the Aravallis act as a natural shield for the region, playing a critical role in groundwater recharge, climate moderation and air quality. He cautioned that continued neglect could have long-term consequences for both ecology and livelihoods. The letter also noted that decades of mining and illegal construction have severely damaged the Aravalli ranges, and said recent Supreme Court orders on Aravalli boundaries have led to confusion among residents over what areas are protected and what are not.

Haryana: Greens seek special fiscal package for Aravalli conservation in Budget

Illegal mining, encroachment, forest loss cited as key concerns

Sumedha Sharma

Tribune News Service

Haryana: Greens seek special fiscal package for Aravalli conservation in Budget

Illegal mining, encroachment, forest loss cited as key concerns

Sumedha Sharma

Tribune News Service

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