Faridabad: ‘Green Manifesto’ prepared to conserve Aravalli range

Faridabad, July 5

People for Aravallis (PFA), a residents’ group, has prepared a draft — the ‘Green Manifesto’ — which focuses on the conservation of the forest belt of the Aravallis and the state’s ecosystem. It lays stress on the measures required for the preservation of the ecosystem of the region. The matter is likely to be brought up in the upcoming state poll.

Describing it as the first step towards spelling out a vision of development for the state, which is allegedly witnessing ecological and scientific degradation, a PFA spokesperson said the draft highlighted the issues concerning the environment and ecosystem of the region.

Illegal mining, deforestation huge threat

Deforestation, illegal encroachments, mining, commercial projects, dumping of waste and creation of landfill sites, along with absence of stringent policies and enforcement, have emerged as huge threat to the ecology, especially in the Aravallis. —Spokesperson, People for aravallis (PFA)

Claiming a shortfall in the ecological values and a sharp decline in the land productivity, he said the groundwater had rapidly depleted due to over exploitation.

The spokesperson said, “The loss of natural green lungs, poor water recharge zones and danger to wildlife habitats and corridors have emerged as major causes for concern. The manifesto sheds light on the issues and written demands of the group regarding the preservation of broad ecosystems such as forests, hills, wetlands, groundwater, agriculture, air quality, along with demand for water, waste management, clean air, pollution.”

“We believe that this is an important first step towards realising a more sustainable future for the state and the NCR,” said Neelam Ahluwalia, founder member, PFA. She said over the next few weeks, the PFA team would undertake an extensive outreach programme to discuss the contents of the first draft with an aim to add more points to the document and get a consensus on their demands.

“After the extensive consultation process, the final draft of the manifesto will be submitted to all political parties and leaders contesting the Assembly elections as a call for action for an active response to environmental degradation and climate crisis affecting the state,” she added. Sunil Harsana, an environmental activist, said the villages of Anangpur, Ankhir, Mewla Maharajpur and Lakadpur had around 6,793 illegal constructions.