The growing commercialization in Delhi NCR has gained a huge momentum since last decade. As a result, deforestation has increased in order to develop infrastructure and real estate in the region.
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According to a recent online petition filed by Vivek Kamboj, the founder of Haryali NGO on Change.org, around 7000 trees in Haryana over 52 acres of precious forest cover along the Aravalli Hill ranges was cut down so that a residential complex can be built in Faridabad near Surajkund.
The petition seeks to stop the proposed construction by M/s Bharti Land Ltd ( A sister company of Airtel in the Bharti Group) of a 2000 residential flat township in the zone which will be reportedly called ‘Delhi Ridge’.
The petition claims that “The site of construction falls under the category of Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ) in the NCR. Despite the zoning, Bharti Land has managed to get three required permissions – the Licence, Environmental Clearance and Tree felling permission”.
Only 3.6% of Haryana’s land is under forest cover and Aravalli forest cover acts as Gurgaon, Faridabad and Delhi’s groundwater recharge zone, wildlife habitat, and green lungs and further exploiting the landscape could cause a further water shortage in NCR region, according to the petition.
On May this year, NGT (National Green Tribunal) asked for an explanation from Haryana Government and Bharti Land regarding the matter. On defence, a senior lawyer representing Bharti Land said: “The firm has acquired all the required permissions to go ahead with the project”.
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The online petition has managed to gather 55,000 supporters out of the target of 75000. The petition will be delivered to Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar and CEO Bharti Group, Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal once it reaches the target.
