What is the Haryana government's plan for the Aravallis?

The Haryana government plans to establish a curated jungle safari park in the Aravalli region, claiming the "highly degraded" land will be a conservation initiative.

How do environmentalists view the Aravalli safari park proposal?

Environmentalists argue the proposed project prioritizes commercial interests over restoring the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region, which is crucial for Delhi-NCR's environment.

What is the current status of the Aravalli safari park project?

In October 2025, the Supreme Court paused work on the project until the next hearing, as it considers the arguments from the Haryana government and the environmentalists challenging the proposal.

Home / Environment / Haryana Touts Aravalli Safari Park as Conservation Initiative, Not Death Knell

Haryana Touts Aravalli Safari Park as Conservation Initiative, Not Death Knell

16 Oct

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Summary

Haryana says proposed safari park is on "highly degraded" Aravalli land
Project aims to close off area prone to encroachment and biotic interference
Environmentalists argue park prioritizes commercial interests over restoration

Haryana Touts Aravalli Safari Park as Conservation Initiative, Not Death Knell

In October 2025, the government of Haryana submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court defending its plan to develop a curated jungle safari park in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli region. The state claims the land proposed for the project has been "mined in the past" and is "highly degraded," with "scrub vegetation" and a "crown cover" of less than 40% in most places.

Haryana argues that the safari park will actually be a "conservation initiative" for the Aravallis, as the area will be closed off with a boundary wall to prevent the "highly prone" encroachments and "biotic interference" it currently faces. However, the petitioners challenging the proposal - five retired senior Indian Forest Service officers and the environmental rights collective People for Aravallis - have argued that the project prioritizes commercial interests over restoring the region, which is "Delhi-NCR's only barrier against desertification, a critical water recharge zone, pollution sink, climate regulator and wildlife habitat."