SC Banned Non-Forest Activity
Faridabad/Gurgaon: After large patches of forest land were sold to private players in Manger village in Aravalis in Faridabad district, land sharks have resorted to felling trees to clear the forest areas. A section of villagers has complained to the forest department. Some of the villagers have alleged that private contractors have been chopping the Kikar trees in Manger, Bandhwadi and Dhauj. “We request you to initiate necessary action to stop these unlawful activities…” reads the letter.
An environment activist said there were fresh tyre tracks in remote areas of the hills behind the Manger village and towards Roj ka Gujjar. Villagers are refraining from commenting on the issue. “The authorities must ensure that there is no further clearing of trees. We can make up for the loss as Kikar trees grow fast,” said the activist, who did not wish to be named. Forest conservator (south circle) K C Meena has sent a team of officials to verify the reported felling of trees. Meena said the team will submit a report soon.
The Supreme Court has banned all non-forest activities in the restricted Aravali region, including cutting of trees in Gurgaon and Faridabad districts. Locals said the land sharks first fell trees and then start the actual construction. Though decades ago, most of the forest area was a common land, it was subdivided among all the residents of the village.
It was subsequently sold out to private players. However, the village has been protecting the ‘sacred groove’ by the local communities, largely comprising Gujjars. This small patch of forest is consecrated in the memory of Gudariya Baba, a holy man, and protected by the superstition that anyone who breaks a branch or grazes his goats here will suffer grievous harm.
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