Supreme Court Halts Aravalli Safari Project

The Supreme Court has effectively stopped Haryana's planned Jungle Safari project, a large-scale eco-tourism initiative near Gurugram and Nuh. The court ruled on February 12, 2026, that no development impacting the Aravalli hills can occur until a clear, expert-defined boundary for the range is determined. This decision prevents the state government from advancing with steps such as submitting a detailed project report.

The Aravalli range, an ancient and ecologically sensitive mountain system spanning multiple Indian states, has long been subject to debate regarding its definition. Previous attempts, including a height-based definition, faced criticism and were subsequently stayed by the Supreme Court in December. The Jungle Safari project, initially proposed for 10,000 acres and later scaled down, aimed to create a major safari park featuring diverse wildlife enclosures and visitor facilities.

This judicial intervention means the project's future is uncertain, with delays potentially lasting months or even years. The ruling could also impact other development proposals in similar ecologically sensitive zones. While the project was expected to boost tourism and create jobs, environmentalists warn of fragmentation of wildlife corridors and ecological stress from large-scale development. The long-term economic viability of eco-tourism hinges on sustained environmental health, which could be compromised by unchecked development in the Aravallis.