Home / Environment / Aravali Forest Faces Pipeline Pollution Threat
Aravali Forest Faces Pipeline Pollution Threat
25 Mar
Summary
- Forest department issued damage report on March 17.
- Pipeline channels treated wastewater toward forest area.
- Residents fear contamination of wildlife water sources.
The Haryana forest department has formally reported damage caused by a pipeline terminated near a forest waterbody within the Aravali plantation area. This pipeline, operated by the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG), is designed to direct treated wastewater from a sewage treatment plant in Baliyawas towards the forest. Forest officials issued a damage report on March 17 and plan to issue a notice to MCG for an explanation.
Following resident complaints, the forest department inspected the site, confirming the pipeline's route through a notified plantation area. Although wastewater had not yet begun flowing at the time of inspection, residents expressed concerns that even treated water could contaminate groundwater recharge structures and harm wildlife. The Aravali plantation areas are designated for conservation and restrict non-forest activities without central approval.
Further action may involve the environment court if MCG fails to provide a satisfactory response. Experts note that such a discharge could also face scrutiny under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, requiring prior consent from the pollution control board.
