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Illegal Forest Land Use: Kant Enclave's Controversial Return
15 Sep
Summary
- Kant Enclave land, previously ordered demolished, is back for forest diversion.
- Supreme Court ruled land under PLPA must be treated as forest.
- Wildlife department noted land as a leopard corridor and habitat.
Kant Enclave's 159-hectare Aravali forest land is once again under consideration for diversion to non-forest use, a move that has drawn criticism. This proposal is slated for discussion before the Haryana Project Screening Committee. Previously, the Supreme Court had ordered the demolition of illegal constructions on this land, deeming it forest land.
The land's status as forest land was reinforced by a Supreme Court judgment in 2018, which mandated that land notified under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) must be treated as forest. The Supreme Court had also ordered the demolition of any constructions after August 18, 1992, and stated that non-forest use requires central government approval.
Recent developments include the Haryana wildlife department addressing an objection regarding a portion of the site falling within the 100-meter eco-sensitive zone of the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. The department clarified that while 12.7 hectares within the ESZ is excluded from the current diversion proposal, any non-forest activity there would still require prior approval.
Environmental experts and former forest officials have raised strong objections, arguing that approving this diversion for a private housing project, especially on land declared forest by the apex court, could set a dangerous precedent. They emphasize the land's importance as a natural forest and a vital habitat for wildlife, including leopards.
