The Haryana government’s proposal for a vast Aravali safari park has sparked significant debate. Envisioned as the world’s largest safari park, the project spans 3,858 hectares across Gurugram and Nuh. While officials tout it as a major tourism booster, environmentalists and conservationists have raised concerns about its ecological impact.
Project Details
The Aravali Safari Park is planned to feature animal enclosures, guest accommodations, dining options, and recreational facilities. Initially overseen by the Haryana Tourism Department, the project has now been transferred to the Forest Department for better oversight. An expert committee has been formed to assess its environmental implications.
Significance of the Aravali Range
Geographical and Geological Importance
The Aravali mountain range is among the world’s oldest fold mountains, stretching 670 km from Delhi to Gujarat, covering parts of Haryana and Rajasthan. It plays a crucial role in preventing desertification and serves as a vital aquifer for water-scarce regions like Gurugram and Nuh.
Formation and Structure
- Part of the Aravalli-Delhi orogenic belt, formed due to tectonic plate collision in the Proterozoic era.
- Belongs to the Indian Shield, shaped by ancient cratonic collisions.
- Originally towering, but millions of years of erosion have significantly reduced its height.
- Guru Shikhar (1,722 meters) is its highest peak, located in Rajasthan’s Arbuda Mountains.
Hydrological Significance
The range is the source of several rivers, including:
- Banas River (tributary of Yamuna)
- Sahibi River (tributary of Yamuna)
- Luni River (flows into the Rann of Kutch)
The Aravalis also serve as a natural groundwater recharge zone, making their conservation essential for the sustainable water supply of the region.
Opposition to the Safari Park
A coalition of 37 retired Indian Forest Service officers has strongly opposed the project, citing concerns over conservation priorities. Key arguments against the park include:
- Tourism-driven development could lead to destruction rather than restoration of the fragile ecosystem.
- Increased construction and traffic may worsen aquifer depletion, threatening already stressed groundwater reserves.
Legal Protections for the Aravali Hills
The Aravali hills enjoy protection under multiple laws, including:
- Punjab Land Preservation Act of 1900, restricting land use and deforestation.
- Indian Forest Act, designating 24,000 hectares as Protected Forest.
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court rulings reinforcing conservation measures.
These protections make the proposed safari park a highly contentious issue, as it could set a precedent for future encroachments on ecologically sensitive areas.
Alternative Proposals
Environmental experts suggest that a national park or wildlife sanctuary would be a more suitable alternative to the safari park. This approach would:
- Enhance conservation efforts by preserving the unique biodiversity of the Aravali range.
- Support rewilding projects rather than prioritizing tourism.
- Align with India’s environmental commitments by safeguarding endangered habitats.
Summing Up
The Aravali Safari Park project presents a complex debate between economic development and environmental conservation. While boosting tourism and local employment are potential benefits, the irreversible damage to one of India’s most fragile ecosystems cannot be overlooked. A more balanced approach, prioritizing habitat protection over commercial ventures, may prove to be the best long-term solution for Haryana and the nation at large.