Curated safari or ecological disaster? SC pauses eco-tourism park in Aravallis, pg4.

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has temporarily halted work on the proposed Aravalli jungle safari project in Haryana until the next hearing on October 15, 2025.
• The court issued a notice to Haryana in response to a petition filed by retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers and People for Aravallis.
• The petitioners argue the project prioritizes commercial interests over the ecological restoration of the Aravalli hills.
• The Aravalli jungle safari project, announced in 2022, aims to create the "world’s largest safari park" across 10,000 acres in Gurgaon and Nuh districts.

Detailed Insights:

• The proposed safari park is inspired by the Sharjah safari in the UAE, envisioned as a blend of eco-tourism and conservation.
• Phase I of the project will cover 2,500 acres with facilities including enclosures for big cats, an aviary, and botanical gardens.
• Petitioners argue the project will harm the Aravalli ecosystem, disrupt wildlife corridors, and confine animals similar to a zoo.
• The Haryana government views the project as a vital step towards wildlife conservation, balancing tourism with ecological restoration.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the financial sustainability and revenue model, with the state exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs).
• The project aims to reforest and restore the mountain range under the Aravalli Green Wall Project, including planting 20,000 trees.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Eco-tourism: Tourism directed toward natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts.
• Wildlife Corridor: A habitat area that connects wildlife populations separated by human activities or structures.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP): A collaboration between a government agency and a private-sector company.