The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has called upon the Haryana government, along with relevant forest and pollution control authorities, to respond to claims of unlawful mining activities in the Aravalli region. These allegations pertain specifically to the protected land in the Badkhal area of Faridabad. The Principal Bench of the NGT, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr Afroz Ahmad, has mandated that the parties involved submit their replies in the form of affidavits at least one week prior to the next scheduled hearing.

The tribunal has set the hearing date for December 1, 2026, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation. This directive follows the NGT’s suo motu cognisance based on a media report indicating ongoing excavations despite a longstanding ban on mining activities in Haryana’s Aravalli region for more than two decades.

Allegations of Illegal Excavation Activities

The NGT took note of allegations detailing the presence of two excavators operating on approximately 25 acres of forest land in Badkhal, Faridabad. The report outlined extensive activities involving rock extraction, the presence of broken stones, and significant clearance of vegetation from the affected area. The tribunal emphasised that the designated land remains protected under Sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA).

Further allegations stated that the involved parties proceeded with these operations without securing the necessary permissions from the Forest Department. According to reports, the excavation activities reportedly persisted for a duration of two days, with claims of around 500 metric tonnes of stones being extracted, a figure which has been denied by the Forest Department.

The NGT’s order also mentioned the significance of the location regarding the efforts to revive Badkhal Lake, which has not been functional since its drying up in 2002. This rejuvenation project aims to restore water retention and includes plans for treatment of the lake bed, strengthening of bunds, and enhancing the lakefront.

Previous Reports of Illegal Mining Activities

The Tribunal’s review was not limited to the current allegations but also included past reports alleging illegal mining in the Rava area of Nuh, where approximately 6,000 metric tonnes of stones were purportedly extracted, alongside claims of blasting operations. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding an illegally constructed road in Basai Meo.

These observations prompted the bench to underline potential violations of several laws, including the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 and the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. The tribunal noted that the media report raised essential questions about adherence to environmental regulations and the execution of statutory provisions designed to protect the environment.

The NGT consequently expanded its list of respondents to include the Government of Haryana through its Chief Secretary, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the Inspector General of Forests under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, as well as the Haryana State Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share