Haryana yet to start forest mapping despite SC order months ago

Nursery Today    14-Aug-2025
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Gurgaon: The Supreme Court ordered all states and Union territories to define the term “forest” and map all such kinds of areas. However, Haryana has not started any survey process. The state government set up state-level expert committees headed by the chief secretary (environment, forests & wildlife) and district-level committees led by deputy commissioners in April.
 

Several senior officials from other departments have also been included in this panel. Their main task was to identify forests, including the Aravalis, within two months and then submit their report, with one crucial condition: they can start work only after the state government gives the forest classification.

The Supreme Court’s March 4 order, citing the 2011 Lafarge judgement and the 1996 TN Godavarman case, requires states to protect all areas with forest characteristics under the Forest Conservation Act, regardless of official records. As per the experts, Haryana has always avoided such surveys so that construction can take place in environmentally sensitive areas. This is done deliberately to protect the private builders’ interests.

 

“The state’s principal chief conservator of forests, Vineet Kumar Garg, said the definition has been sent for final approval. The apex court is set to evaluate the matter on September 9, and the state government will have to give the explanation regarding the delay.

 
 
 
 
 
 
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