Farmhouses built in Aravalis violating norms
Although developments have been restricted in the areas that come under the Aravalis (Zone O) in the national capital region (NCR), many illegal developments have been shot up.
More than twenty farmhouses, several rooms, plush complexes, boundary walls, etc. have come up illegally in the Aravalis without seeking any prior government approval. Besides this, some of the hospitality and adventure companies have come up with tourist facilities in the restricted zone, mainly in Roz Ka Gujjar adjoining Damdama Lake. Other violations include cutting of trees, digging of tube wells, swimming pools, and construction of concrete roads and installation of submersible pumps.
Haryana government reports NGT
The government of Haryana has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that 539 violations have been recorded in the Aravalli region that falls under the state’s limits. Raising concern over the large scale violation of green norms, repeat offences and how the situation seems to be getting out of control, the Green Tribunal has asked the government to submit its action plan on how to deal with the situation. The state government will shortly submit its reply after which the Tribunal would take up the case in December.
Who are the violators?
It is shocking to see that the list of violators include leading urban planners, celebrities, NRIs, businessmen, industrialists, entrepreneurs, celebrities, retired defence officers, and others. Most of the violators are from Delhi.
Notification by MoEF
The ministry of environment and forests had issued a notification in May 1992, restricting activities that cause environmental degradation in specified Aravali areas. It is mandatory to take prior approval from the central government for some activities like cutting of trees, building sheds, farmhouses and other residential units. Restricted zones include all forests, common hills and water bodies in the Aravali ranges.
HSPCB conducts surveys
The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) had conducted many surveys of various violations in the areas falling under the Aravalis in Gurgaon and Mewat districts. Following the surveys, it has filed an affidavit before the NGT citing the irregularities and violation of restrictions.
The HSPCB had formed five teams, which also took representatives of revenue department along with them and conducted detailed surveys. The surveys were aimed at identifying violations in areas including Raisina, Aravali Retreat, Golden Height and Roz Ka Gujjar, where most of the farmhouses are located.
The survey teams identified around 310 violations of the notification in which cases were already filed in the special environment court. They also found that many violators had attempted repeated offences by carrying out construction, even after cases were filed against them. Besides this, the teams have also found 103 cases of new violations.
