Gurugram News: SC Suspends Work On 10,000 Acre Aravalli Safari; Petitioners Cite Environmental, Wildlife Concerns

Plans to develop the world’s largest Jungle Safari Park in the Aravalli Hills of Gurugram and Nuh are facing a potential setback after the Supreme Court accepted a petition challenging the project. Until the next hearing, scheduled for October 15, all activities related to the park have been temporarily halted.

The petition was filed by Dr RP Balwan, a retired forest conservator, who argued that the park’s construction would destroy the Aravalli Range and threaten wildlife imported from outside the region. 

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Dr Balwan also raised concerns about water scarcity in Gurugram, questioning how sufficient resources would be provided for the wildlife. Seven other retired Indian Forest Service officers, most of whom are from outside Haryana, have joined the petition, emphasising the need to protect the Aravalli ecosystem.

The state government had planned to develop the Aravalli Jungle Safari Park on 10,000 acres in Gurugram and Nuh, with work scheduled in four phases. The park’s design has already been submitted to the Central Zoo Authority for approval. Additionally, the Forest Department has requested Rs 500 crore from the central government as the first instalment to begin construction.

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The petitioners have termed the project a threat to both the environment and local resources, while the government continues to push ahead with its vision for the ambitious wildlife tourism initiative.