Supreme Court Says No To Haryana Proposal For Aravalli Zoo Safari

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday firmly rejected the Haryana government’s proposal to develop a large zoo and safari project in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli range, stating that it would not allow any activity that threatens the fragile environment of the region.

A bench of the apex court made it clear that the Aravallis are already under severe ecological stress and cannot sustain further commercial or tourism-driven projects. The judges underscored that the mountain range plays a critical role in preventing desertification, maintaining groundwater levels and acting as a natural barrier against air pollution, particularly for the National Capital Region.

The Haryana government had proposed the safari project as a major eco-tourism initiative, arguing that it would promote conservation awareness and generate employment. However, the court expressed scepticism over such claims, noting that large-scale construction and increased human activity would inevitably damage forest cover and wildlife habitats, regardless of how the project was branded.

Also Read: Supreme Court Maintains Status Quo on Aravalli Hills Definition Indefinitely

The bench also referred to its earlier orders aimed at protecting the Aravallis, observing that repeated attempts by authorities to seek exceptions or repackage development plans run contrary to the spirit of environmental protection. It said the court would not permit “piecemeal dilution” of safeguards meant to preserve one of northern India’s most important ecological zones.

Environmental groups welcomed the ruling, calling it a strong reaffirmation of judicial commitment to conservation. They argued that the Aravalli ecosystem, which stretches across multiple states including Haryana, has already suffered extensive degradation due to mining, urban expansion and infrastructure projects over the decades.

The court’s rejection effectively stalls the proposed safari plan and sends a clear signal to state governments that economic or tourism interests cannot override ecological imperatives. Legal experts said the order reinforces the principle that environmentally sensitive regions must be protected through strict judicial oversight, especially amid rising developmental pressures.

Also Read: Trump To Visit China For Meeting With President Xi Jinping In April