Illegal Liquor Vends Ravage Faridabad's Protected Forests

As of August 2, 2025, liquor vends and taverns are operating openly on Aravali forest land and protected greenbelts across Faridabad, some hidden behind thick vegetation and others right in the middle of residential zones, in clear violation of environmental laws. At least four vends have come up on forest land, and over 35 more in green belts in areas like Bhatola, Mangar, Surajkund Road and Lakkarpur.

Many of these locations fall within buffer zones of the Aravalis, where any construction or commercial activity is either restricted or banned under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900. The vends are not small kiosks but permanent structures with double-shutter shops, paved courtyards, tin-roofed seating areas, and boundary walls. Ahatas attached to them offer open-air drinking spaces with plastic chairs, wooden benches, and food counters.

Environmentalists have condemned these activities as "environmental vandalism," stating that the government is allowing rampant commercialization of protected Aravali land despite multiple complaints. The matter has reached the National Green Tribunal, which has sought responses from the authorities. For now, the forest department has issued notices to the vends, but the issue remains unresolved as of the current date.