Introduction
Environmental activists are raising alarms about Tree Cutting Concerns in Faridabad’s Protected Aravalli region. This area is known as a “deemed forest,” a status given by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in March 2019. The recent activities have caused deep concern among local and national environmental groups.
What Happened?
In Sarai Khwaja village, numerous trees and shrubs are being cut down. On August 30, 2025, Lt Col Sarvadaman Singh Oberoi (retd) reported this large-scale deforestation to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in Faridabad. Oberoi played a key role in petitioning the NGT for forest protection in this area.
He stated that there seems to be a “concerted effort” to remove trees, which goes against NGT orders. Oberoi provided photos and videos of the tree cutting that showed time, date, and GPS location. This evidence highlights the seriousness of the situation.
Suspect Timing
Environmentalists believe the timing of this activity is troubling. It happened shortly after the Haryana government made a new definition of what constitutes a forest. This definition requires a canopy density of at least 40% and other criteria. Critics warn that this change could remove legal protections for many areas in the Aravallis.
- The definition includes: Minimum canopy density of 40%.
- Five hectares required if isolated and two hectares if connected to government-registered forests.
- Exclusions apply to agroforestry and orchards outside notified forests.
Government Response
Surender Dhangi, the DFO of Faridabad, confirmed that they received the complaint and acted quickly. A team was sent to the site, and they have stopped further clearing of vegetation. However, it remains unclear who authorized the tree cutting in the first place.
A Protected Area
Back in March 2019, the NGT declared a 52-acre plot in Sarai Khwaja as a “deemed forest.” This ruling is important because it affects many real estate projects in the Aravalli region. The area has faced severe threats from development plans.
The situation escalated in 2017 when Haryana allowed the cutting of over 7,000 trees for a housing project by Bharti Land Limited. This decision led to legal challenges and eventually prompted the NGT’s ruling, stating the land should be protected as a forest.
Legal Battles
After the NGT’s declaration, the Haryana government appealed to the Supreme Court, calling the tribunal’s order “erroneous in law.” They argued that the land was not a forest since it was not listed as one in official records. However, the NGT found this argument to be incorrect.
Oberoi and other activists emphasize that the case has only had one hearing so far. The next hearing is scheduled for September 17, 2025. They hope to keep pressure on the government to protect the environment.
Importance of Forests
Forests play a crucial role in our ecosystem. They provide homes for wildlife and help in maintaining air quality. They also prevent soil erosion and contribute to the climate balance. The Aravallis are particularly important as they are one of the oldest mountain ranges in India.
Deforestation in this region can have serious consequences. It threatens biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on these forests. The loss of trees can also lead to increased pollution and worsening climate change.
Community Involvement
Local communities and environmental groups are vital in protecting these forests. They work hard to monitor activities in these areas and bring attention to any illegal tree cutting. Many people in Punjab and Haryana care deeply about their environment and support efforts to save these precious resources.
Social media has also played a big role. Activists use platforms to share information and mobilize support for their cause. This helps raise awareness about the importance of forests and the challenges they face.
Conclusion
Tree Cutting Concerns in Faridabad’s Protected Aravalli region highlight significant issues regarding environmental protection in India. As laws and definitions change, it is crucial to keep a close watch on how these forests are managed. Strong community action and legal support can help protect these vital areas for future generations. 🌳
