Gurgaon: Raising fresh concerns over encroachment and degradation of the ecologically sensitive Aravali landscape, a large number of trees were felled and nearly 1.5 acres of protected forest land cleared in Roj Ka Gujjar village.The damage occurred inside an area notified under Sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA). “The authorities should immediately identify those responsible and restore the damaged area,” environmentalist Vivek Kamboj told TOI, adding, “Such destruction fragments wildlife habitat, removes native vegetation and weakens one of the last remaining natural forest ecosystems in the national capital region.”A TOI visit to the site found extensive evidence of recent clearing. A large patch of native thorn forest was stripped of vegetation, with dozens of freshly cut stumps protruding from the ground. Felled trunks and branches lay scattered across the site, while piles of dry brushwood were heaped along the edges of the cleared land.Several portions bore signs of recent burning, with charred earth, blackened shrubs and ash visible amid the cut vegetation. Fresh tyre marks and a levelled dirt track cut through the cleared patch, suggesting the use of heavy vehicles or machinery. The site is located close to a natural waterbody, increasing concerns over the ecological impact of the clearing.The surrounding landscape continues to support dense native scrub vegetation typical of the Gurgaon Aravalis, making the cleared area stand out sharply against the intact forest.After TOI shared the geo-tagged photographs and location details with the forest dept, divisional forest officer (DFO) Surender Singh told TOI, “We have already filed forest offence report for this matter.” Forest officials, who inspected the site, found the PLPA violations, based on which the report was filed, the DFO added.Sections 4 and 5 of the PLPA prohibit activities such as tree felling, clearing vegetation, breaking up land, quarrying, excavation and other changes to the natural landscape. The notified Aravali landscape plays a critical role in groundwater recharge, prevents soil erosion and desertification, and provides habitat for wildlife, including leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, nilgai, porcupines, reptiles and numerous bird species.Environmentalists have repeatedly warned that incremental clearing of even small patches leads to habitat fragmentation, opens up forest areas to further encroachment and weakens the ecological connectivity of the Aravalis.
