Context:
Aravali Safari Park in Haryana has now become a very controversial issue with debates centering around conservation versus development.
Key Highllights:
- Proposed as the largest entertainer safari ever covering an area of 3,858 hectares in Gurugram and Nuh.
- Planned to include animal enclosures, hotels, restaurants, botanical gardens, aquariums, cable cars, theatres, and an animal hospital.
- The project aims to boost eco tourism but are raising apprehensions about worried concerns for environment damages.
Reasons for Strong Opposition
Threat to a fragile ecosystem
- The Aravali Hills considered one of the oldest fold mountain ranges are a great natural barrier against any desert advancement.
- They are in fact very important in recharging groundwater in the water scarce districts of Gurugram and Nuh.
- With increased tourism, construction, and vehicular traffic, we shall be looking at ever greater habitat destruction and depletion of aquifers.
Violation of Forest Conservation Laws
- The project site falls under the definition of ‘forest’ and is protected under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
- Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders have placed restrictions on non forest activities in the Aravalis.
- Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900, restricts deforestation and non agricultural activities in these hills.
Haryana’s very low forest cover
- Haryana has only 3.6% forest cover, one of the lowest in India.
- Conservationists argue that instead of a safari park, the government should focus on rewilding and afforestation.
Water Crisis in the Region
- Groundwater levels in Gurugram and Nuh are already over exploited.
- Environmentalists warn that the project’s construction will disrupt underground aquifers, worsening the water crisis.
What Are The Alternatives?
- Experts have proposed a declaration of the Aravalis as a national park or wildlife sanctuary, not a commercial safari zone.
- Restoration of native flora and fauna should be the priority in conservation instead of launching artificial attractions.
- Eco sensitive tourism models with minimum infrastructure and regulated footfall could be possible.
Wider Implication The Development versus Conservation Paradox
- The Aravali Safari Park symbolizes this bigger conflict between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
- With an increasing number of environment clearances in ecologically sensitive areas, India finds itself at a crossroad.
- Setting a positive precedent for conservation undertakings will depend on the execution of this project by urbanized states like Haryana.
