Haryana government takes steps to protect Aravalli Range

As part of its attempt to protect green cover on Aravalli Range, the Haryana government will implement the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) directive in letter and spirit, said State Finance and Environment Minister Captain Abhimanyu said on Thursday.

"The state government will protect greenery and decided to set up plant nurseries around Aravalli Range to protect water bodies and environment," Abhimanyu said in Gurgaon.

The statement from the Haryana minister came just a week after another state Cabinet minister Rao Narvir Singh and Sohna MLA Tej Pal Tanwar of BJP had urged CM Manohar Lal Khattar to allow mining in the mountain range.

The Aravalli is famous for dense forest, water bodies and hills of big boulders. Mining in the region severely affects eco fragile nature of Aravallis.

Abhimanyu claimed that the decision has been taken after the studies revealed that levels of ground water and water bodies have been depleting every year.

"The state government would set up nurseries of traditional plants like Desi Kikar, Jaati, Jaal, Khair etc. These plants play an important role in the lives of villagers and farmers. Also, these plants do not affect crops, but the leaves of these plants act as a manure for fields. A variety of plants are on the verge of extinction," Abhimanyu said.

Abhimanyu also said air pollution has increased drastically in Delhi and NCR cities due to a large number of vehicles. The state government is taking effective steps to minimise air pollution. He said Kundli Maneser Palwal (KMP) Expressway will play major role in reducing the number of vehicles coming from Delhi.

"The state government has decided to complete the KMP project in a time-bound manner within 30 months. The 53-km stretch between Maneser and Palwal will be completed in next nine months and tender has already been released. At the same time, tender for remaining 82-km stretch between Maneser and Kundli will be floated soon," he said.