Aravalli Reforestation Faces Trustee Scrutiny Over Alleged Violations, Conflicts of Interest

Swift Summary:

• Members of the Aravallis Bachchao Citizens Movement (ABCM) raised concerns over the clearing of a green forest patch in Gurugram’s Sector 54 for reforestation under the “Matri Van” project initiated by Chief Minister Nayab Saini on August 2, 2025.
• ABCM trustees Vaishali Rana and Colonel (retd.) S.S. Oberoi alleged that this act violated various environmental laws, including the Indian Forest Act, Forest (Conservation) act, Wildlife (Protection) act, and constitutional provisions.
• The group argued that targeted forest areas already had thick green canopies and should not have been prioritized for reforestation ahead of barren or degraded patches in need of restoration.
• Videos shared by ABCM showed machinery clearing vegetation while bird habitats were being destroyed directly in front of loaders without adequate ecological safeguards.
• Trustees claimed there coudl be “conflict of interest” as private builders accused of damaging forests were involved in reforestation efforts near luxury housing developments.
• They called for an independent ecological assessment, cessation of deforestation activities at the site, and redirection of efforts toward genuinely degraded areas before further intervention occurs.
• Calls to the Divisional Forest Officer went unanswered.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The concerns raised by ABCM highlight longstanding challenges surrounding environmental conservation amidst urban progress pressures. The dispute underscores a critical dilemma: striking an appropriate balance between ecological restoration initiatives like Matri Van and safeguarding existing biodiversity-rich areas from human interference or mismanagement.If true degraded patches exist nearby but remain untouched while thriving forests are cleared instead-this suggests a potential lapse in prioritization that’ll likely erode public confidence in such projects.

Moreover, allegations related to conflicts involving private developers hint at deeper systemic issues where vested interests may undermine conservation integrity-a recurring theme across India’s urban landscapes struggling with encroachment pressure around ecologically sensitive zones like the Aravallis.Given its legal framework protecting forests and wildlife through multiple acts cited by ABCM members-including constitutional mandates-India must hold all stakeholders accountable to maintain credibility while addressing broader questions about enduring development policy execution moving forward.For more details: