The Supreme Court of India has put Haryana’s ambitious Aravali Zoo Safari Project on hold, asking a central expert panel to carefully study its environmental impact before giving the green light. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has been tasked with evaluating whether the massive project can coexist with the fragile Aravali ecosystem. Until the panel completes its review, no work can proceed.
The Haryana government envisions a sprawling zoo-safari covering around 10,000 acres across the Aravali hills in Gurgaon and Nuh districts. Officials say they plan to initially develop about 3,500 acres and will move ahead only after the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change approves a detailed project report. As of now, construction has not begun.
The project has drawn strong opposition from environmentalists, retired forest officers, and local NGOs like People for Aravalis. They warn that building roads, visitor facilities, and administrative complexes on such a large scale could harm the region’s biodiversity, groundwater, and air quality, essential lifelines for nearby communities.
During the hearing, the court highlighted that the draft project report was submitted to the Central Zoo Authority without a proper environmental assessment. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on local wildlife, vegetation, and the overall ecological balance of the Aravalis.
By involving the CEC, the Supreme Court is taking a cautious approach, aiming to balance Haryana’s developmental ambitions with the need to protect one of India’s most sensitive natural landscapes.
