The Aravali Safari Park project proposed by the Haryana government is set to cover an area of 3,858 hectares across Gurugram and Nuh. Announced as part of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s election promises, it aims to be the largest safari park globally. However, the project has encountered resistance from various stakeholders, including environmentalists and retired forest officials.
Project Overview
The proposed safari park will feature numerous facilities. These include animal enclosures, guest accommodations, restaurants, auditoriums, an animal hospital, children’s parks, botanical gardens, aquariums, cable cars, and an open-air theatre. The project has been handed over to the forest department, which will oversee its implementation through an expert committee. The land distribution entails 2,574 hectares in Gurugram and 1,284 hectares in Nuh.
Environmental Concerns
The Aravali mountain range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world. It plays important role in preventing desertification and acts as a vital aquifer. The area is home to diverse wildlife and plant species. Critics argue that the safari park will disrupt the ecological balance. Increased tourist activity is expected to disturb the aquifers, which are essential for the water-scarce regions of Gurugram and Nuh.
Opposition from Experts
A group of 37 retired Indian Forest Service officers has formally opposed the project. They argue that the primary focus should be on conservation rather than tourism. Their letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks the need for protecting and restoring eco-sensitive areas. They assert that the project contradicts the principles of environmental conservation and could lead to ecological degradation.
Legal Protections for Aravali
The Aravali hills are protected under various laws, including the Punjab Land Preservation Act of 1900. This act restricts land breaking and deforestation in the hills for non-agricultural purposes. Additionally, around 24,000 hectares have been designated as Protected Forest under the Indian Forest Act. The Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal have also provided legal safeguards for these areas, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
Suggestions for Alternative Approaches
Environmentalists and experts suggest alternative measures to promote conservation. Instead of a safari park, they recommend establishing a national park or sanctuary. This approach would focus on preserving biodiversity while allowing for sustainable tourism practices.
Future Implications
The ongoing debate surrounding the Aravali Safari Park project marks the tension between development and environmental conservation. The outcome of this project could set a precedent for future initiatives in ecologically sensitive areas across India.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the role of the Aravali mountain range in combating desertification in northern India.
- Discuss the implications of the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900 on urban development in hilly regions.
- Critically discuss the balance between tourism development and environmental conservation in India.
- What are the potential ecological impacts of large-scale construction projects in protected areas? How can these be mitigated?
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the role of the Aravali mountain range in combating desertification in northern India.
- The Aravali range acts as a natural barrier against desertification by preventing the spread of the Thar Desert.
- Its diverse vegetation helps maintain soil moisture and prevents erosion, contributing to land fertility.
- The mountain range functions as an aquifer, allowing rainwater to percolate and recharge groundwater supplies.
- It provides habitat for various flora and fauna, promoting biodiversity that supports ecological balance.
- Conservation of the Aravali is crucial for sustaining agricultural practices in the surrounding regions.
2. Discuss the implications of the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900 on urban development in hilly regions.
- The Act restricts land use changes in hilly areas, preserving natural landscapes and preventing deforestation.
- It limits non-agricultural development, ensuring that ecological integrity is maintained in sensitive regions.
- Urban expansion is curtailed, promoting sustainable land-use practices and protecting local biodiversity.
- Compliance with the Act can lead to conflicts between development interests and environmental conservation efforts.
- It encourages local governance to prioritize conservation over rapid urbanization, encouraging community engagement in environmental stewardship.
3. Critically discuss the balance between tourism development and environmental conservation in India.
- Tourism can boost local economies but often leads to environmental degradation and resource depletion.
- Conservation efforts must consider sustainable tourism practices that minimize ecological footprints.
- Effective regulations and community involvement are essential to ensure that tourism does not compromise natural habitats.
- Ecotourism initiatives can promote awareness and appreciation of biodiversity while supporting conservation efforts.
- Balancing tourism and conservation requires integrated planning that considers long-term ecological health alongside economic benefits.
4. What are the potential ecological impacts of large-scale construction projects in protected areas? How can these be mitigated?
- Large-scale construction can lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems.
- Increased human activity can result in pollution and strain on local resources, such as water supply.
- Construction can disturb wildlife migration patterns and reproductive cycles, threatening species survival.
- Mitigation strategies include conducting environmental impact assessments and implementing strict regulations on construction practices.
- Creating buffer zones and promoting restoration projects can help rehabilitate affected areas and preserve ecological functions.
