Construction activities allowed in eco- sensitive zones of Aravali

Union Government announced to notify the revised regional plan for NCR (2021) on 24 February 2014.

The plan allowed tourism activities in ecologically sensitive zones and permitted constructions in nature conservation zones (NCZ) beyond the current 0.5 percent cap.

Nature conservation zones include most part of the Aravalis, riverbeds and areas surrounding other major water bodies. The NCR Planning Board (NCRPB) has approved the plan.

The previous plan was prepared in 2005. It had earlier mentioned that only regional recreational activities like parks, wildlife sanctuaries etc were allowed in NCZs with a limit of construction not exceeding 0.5 percent of land.

The revised sub-regional plan of Haryana suggests that besides recreational activities (including tourism) other activities such as agriculture, horticulture, pisiculture, social forestry and plantation including afforestation may be allowed in NCZs.

Haryana has already prepared the draft plan for Mangar region, proposing a mega tourism complex in the area that has a sacred forest.

The move was claimed as disastrous for green belts such as the Aravalis by environmentalists.