Haryana admits Aravalis & Shivaliks losing green cover

05 Sep 2023 CW Team

Haryana's rapid urbanization has come at the cost of significant forest land depletion and diversion, particularly in the Aravali and Shivalik hill reserves. This revelation was made by Environment Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar during the monsoon session of the assembly, in response to inquiries from Congress legislators Neeraj Sharma (NIT Faridabad) and Jagbir Singh Malik (Gohana).

Among the affected areas, Gurugram stands out as the most denuded district within the Aravalis, while Panchkula has witnessed the most significant forest depletion within the Shivalik region. These two districts also account for the highest levels of forest diversion in their respective zones. Over the span of four decades since 1980, urbanization has encroached upon a staggering 4,239 hectares of forest cover across ten Shivalik and Aravali districts. The fragile ecology of the Aravalis has drawn attention from regulatory bodies such as the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Central Pollution Control Board due to these concerning developments. Furthermore, substantial forestland in the Aravalis has been diverted in districts including Faridabad, Bhiwani, Nuh, and Mahendergarh.

In the context of Shivalik districts altering their forest land use, Ambala and Yamunanagar emerge as particularly affected areas. These revelations surfaced when Neeraj Sharma sought details regarding compensatory afforestation in exchange for the diversion of forest land. The Congress legislator, while expressing doubts about the accuracy of the data, pointed out that "a major part of the questions was left unanswered, but it's clear that rapid urbanization has had a detrimental impact on the environment."

This disclosure underscores the pressing issue of environmental conservation in the face of rapid urban development, and it highlights the need for robust measures to mitigate the ecological impact of such expansion.

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..