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Tourism and Eco Development in Aravalli Ranges, Near Delhi
Article in The Deccan geographer · December 2012
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The Deccan Geographer
Vol. 50. No. 2, December, 2012, Pp. 99-105
(ISSN-0011-7269)
TOURISM AND ECO-DEVELOPMENT IN THE ARAVALLI RANGES
NEAR DELHI
K. K. Yadav and Vinita Yadav
Abstract
Urbanisation has posed a threat for the environment. The
developers and builders activities impacted negatively on the
natural habitat. Aravalli Ranges in and around Delhi has seen many
such changes in the last few decades. The Government and Builders
nexus had an impact on the forest cover and ground water level. For
sustainable development at regional level, it is essential to check the
environmental degradation. The paper highlights the area's
topography and the measures adopted for sustainable development
in the region. It tries to provide solutions to restore the ecology
through eco-tourism spots. The four-pronged approach of
sustainable development in the area can be through protection of
existing forest ecosystem, encouraging the local populace by
creating awareness, development of Tourism and recreational and
cultural facilities in these areas.
Introduction
The World Commission in its report entitled ‘Our Common Future’ has visualized a
grim prospect in view of the deteriorating environmental situation. Many other
environmental organizations have sounded similar warnings all over the globe. Rapid
industrialization, urbanization, unsustainable consumption patterns of developed nations,
and depleting natural reserves in developing countries pose a threat to the very existence
of humanity on the planet. The situation calls for an urgent response from both
developing and developed nations to rise above the short-sighted policies currently
adopted and restore eco-friendly development. A radical change of policies on
industrialization and consumption, forest management, conservation of water and other
K. [Link] and Vinita Yadav
natural resources, and a new positive and ethical approach to socio-economic
development could change the scenario to a positive one. A comprehensive strategy
incorporating all the above elements is eco-tourism. Since the early seventies, there has
been great environmental awareness throughout the world especially in developing
nations, as is evidenced by the introduction of environmental issues in their policies and
programmes. Policy documents in India have already shown a shift from purely
‘economic growth’ to ‘development without destruction’, accommodating ecological and
environmental concerns. Understanding and appreciation of ecological processes aimed
at a symbiotic relationship between man and nature with the involvement of
communities, and adequate political backing will certainly change the anticipated
negative scenario into a positive one. The present study identifies and analyzes the
topographical features, forest cover, and wildlife of the area. It makes an assessment of
the activities that have impacted on the ecology to the detriment of the environment. The
study also attempts to unite cultural and recreational aspects within the eco-system of this
particular hill area, which is located in the vicinity of a densely populated metropolis. The
important aspect of local community participation i.e., the involvement of local people in
the planning and implementing process has been emphasized. This paper analyses
environmental degradation and its impact on livelihoods in a hill eco-system near Delhi,
the capital of India, and attempts to seek a solution in developing the area as an eco-
friendly tourist destination.
Study region
The study area is located to the south and west of the national capital in the
Aravalli hills endowed with picturesque undulating topography. It is a part of the
National Capital Region (NCR). It is covered with shrubs and bushes interspersed with
dry land vegetation. The area neighboring Delhi to the south and west is an important
micro-region from the ecological and environmental point of view. It comprises the
whole of the Aravalli range in Gurgaon, Mewat and Faridabad districts, the south and
south-western outcrops of the Aravalli range in Delhi and the immediate areas flanked by
these hills. The Aravalli hills, the oldest mountain system in India, runs in a north-east
Tourism and Eco-development in Aravalli Ranges Near Delhi
and south-west direction from the Arabian Sea to Delhi. A part of this range in the form
of low hills with intermittent peneplains extends to the south of Delhi and Gurgaon,
Mewat and Faridabad districts (Haryana State). This range is having continuous belt of
isolated and detached hills in the districts of Bhiwani and Mohindergarh (Haryana State).
Major and minor roads and rail networks traverse the area. There are two National
Highways i.e., N.H. 2 and 8 and three State Highways namely, Gurgaon-Pataudi-Rewari,
Gurgaon-Sohna-Alwar, and Palwal-Sohna-Rewari roads passing through or near the area.
In the south west of the study area, an express Highway- Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP)
is nearing completion. This proposed highway is crucial not only to the development of
the area but for the overall segregation of traffic flow in the National Capital Region
(NCR). In addition, the Faridabad-Sohna and Gurgaon-Faridabad roads also pass through
the area. Two railway lines, i.e. the Delhi-Palwal-Mathura broad gauge line and the
Delhi- Gurgaon-Rewari Railway line pass near the study area on the east and north
respectively, connecting Central and Western India with the Delhi. Out of the connected
towns, Faridabad, Ballabgarh, Dharuhera, Rewari, Bawal, Gurgaon, Manesar (Haryana
State), Bhiwadi and Alwar (Rajasthan State) are important industrial centers.
Characteristics of Aravalli range
Long rocky outcrops rising abruptly from the flat topography with small natural
depressions on the top, containing water, along with grooves of vegetation are general
features of the flat hilltops in Faridabad, Gurgaon and Mewat Districts of Haryana.
Ranges rise gradually from the southern parts of Delhi. The weathered hill slopes are
marked with scattered vertical crystalline rocky cliffs with shallow soils. Overgrazing and
the rising demand for fuel wood and construction material have left the slopes barren;
with no soil cover to support vegetation, even grass. Undulating foot hill deposits are
found in various forms. Lying between the hills and flat plains with alluvial and Aeolian
deposits, these areas are marked by gully formations. The deep soil layer of these
deposits supports the growth of vegetation and grass. Flat plains characterized by
intensive agriculture lie beyond foot-hill deposits. There is a hot spring (at Sohna), which
can also be exploited for tourism without compromising the status of the environment.
K. [Link] and Vinita Yadav
The area is traversed by many small rivulets. There is no perennial river in the area.
The Badkhal and Surajkund Lakes and Sulakhari Bund in Faridabad District, Damdama
in Gurgaon District and Kotla and Ujina in the Mewat District are the important water
bodies in the area. However, most of these man-made small lakes and water bodies have
dried up and water can be seen only for three to six months depending upon the
catchment area. Though not permanent in nature, Kotla Lake is the largest lake with an
area of 20 Sq. Kms. The lakes are a major attraction for migratory birds, which are found
in large numbers during winter. Badkhal and Surajkund lakes have been developed as
important tourist centres by the Haryana Tourism Corporation. Hotels, motels, a golf-
course and boating facilities have been provided catering to the needs of tourists from
various parts of the country and abroad. Damdama has also been developed into a lake
with suitable facilities being provided to attract tourists. A bund has also been constructed
at Sulakhari but it needs further development. These water bodies are not only attractive
from the tourist point of view but also have a bearing on the sub-soil water levels in the
area. Besides, these water bodies have great potential to attract wildlife. The underground
water in the study area is potable and sweet. The area is characterized by a hot, dry
tropical type of climate. The wide range of temperature, scanty and erratic rainfall
coupled with high velocity winds creates severe drought conditions, which inhibit plant
growth.
Impacts of environmental degradation
Dry climatic conditions exacerbated by economic activities with scant regard for
conservation, have led to serious soil erosion in the area. The flow of water from the
barren hills has created gullies and undulating topography in the foot-hills. The most
affected areas in this regard are the community blocks of Nuh, Sohna, Ferozepur Jhirka,
parts of Gurgaon and the southern parts of ridge in Delhi (Table-1). The indiscriminate
and rampant urbanization near Gurgaon, Faridabad, Sohna and Manesar has brought most
of this fragile topography under commercial exploitation. Most people living in
settlements, located in the foothills of the Aravalli ranges, earn their livelihoods from
animal husbandry. Agriculture, especially food grain production has become non-
Tourism and Eco-development in Aravalli Ranges Near Delhi
[Link]. Villagers /Areas Activity Responsible
1 Sikanderpur-Ghosi, Rajokri, Sohna, Chahalka, Stone Crushers and
Rajpur, Pali Quarries
2 Gual Pahari, Bandhwari, Manger, Gothra, Silica Sand quarries.
Mohabbatabad, Bhankri Siroli, khori, Jamalpur
3 Manesar, Bisar, Naurangpur, Nainwal, Pachgaon, Stone Crushers and
Kota-Bar, Khandola , Sehrawan, Khoh, Bar Quarries felling of trees for
Gujar, Sakatpur, kasan. fuel wood and over–
grazing.
4. Tikli, Sakatpur, Bisar, Mohammadpur, Sohna, Building activities by
Kota-Khandola, Manesar, Nainwal, Lakhnaula, builders, developers,
Hasanpur, Para, Panchgaon, Kasan, Sikohpur, colonizers and HSIIDC
Khoh, Naharpur Badha, and Hayatpur.
Source: Computed by Authors.
remunerative and people prefer to keep animals for milk and other products. These
animals depend on hilly areas for fodder resulting in over-grazing of these areas. While a
high livestock population existed earlier in the Aravallis and other surrounding areas,
livestock has drastically reduced in number with the exception of buffaloes (kept for
milk) over last two decades. The reasons behind this are the rapid increase in the area
under urbanization and indiscriminate felling of trees for fuel, wood and building
material. Urban sprawl has speeded up construction activity, and promoted quarrying and
mining for building materials such as stone, silica and sand. This has further resulted in
the setting up of stone crushers.
Stone crushers and quarries in the hill areas are not only responsible for the
disappearance of wildlife but also pose a serious threat of extinction to many a plant
species. The dense Aravalli forest were once the abode of tigers and other wildlife.
However, now even deer, antelopes, jackals and hare are rarely spotted. Dual
environmental threats, one from densely inhabited industrial towns along with the
proposed development activities, and second, ecological imbalances and disorder being
caused in the Aravalli ranges in general and in the area lying south of Delhi, in particular,
are a cause of great concern to environmentalists and planners. Once rich in flora and
fauna, this area is now environmentally degraded. Unscrupulous builders, developers and
K. [Link] and Vinita Yadav
other businessmen in connivance with the Government machinery are exploiting the area
ruthlessly with less regard for the life-supporting natural system.
Planning for Sustainable environment and livelihood
The Aravalli hills play an important role in controlling local climatic conditions not
only for Faridabad, Gurgaon and Mewat Districts in Haryana, but also for Delhi –
national capital. Deforestation and unregulated mining and quarrying activities are fast
creating desert like conditions. It is clear that if these conditions are not checked in time,
the situation in future will be far more difficult to handle. It is, therefore, imperative to
afforest and develop the hill areas and settlements in the vicinity in such a way that the
ecological balance is maintained. An historical decision of the apex court of India in
M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India and Others has compelled the Government of India and
the State of Haryana and other stakeholders to desist from degrading the environment in
the Aravallis.
It is of paramount importance to plant species which would suit such a dry and
arid climate. The Aravalli Hills Afforestation Board, Haryana, Government of Haryana is
attempting to regenerate the environment by afforesting the bare hills and promoting
natural regeneration of local flora to ensure better soil and moisture conservation.
Afforestation in the Aravalli ranges will not only meet the requirements of fuel, timber
and fodder for the local population but also will create and improve the micro climate and
indirectly the overall ecological balance. Earthen dams have been constructed to prevent
soil erosion and maintain better moisture conservation. A sum of INR 2 million was spent
by the State Government to prevent soil erosion in 25 villages in the region during 1980-
84.
Some common areas need to be demarcated near the villages for fuel wood
plantations and grazing for cattle. Plantation on hilltops and foothills are also proposed
for better moisture conservation and augmentation of water resources for irrigation.
Protection of the habitat has been tradition for the people of Haryana and Haryana today
has a full-fledged Department for Environment and a comprehensive legislation the Wild
Life (Protection) Act, 1972, has been enacted by the Central Government. Wild animals
and birds found in the area include the Sambhar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Ravine Deer,
Tourism and Eco-development in Aravalli Ranges Near Delhi
Black Buck, Blue Bull, Panther, Hyena, Hare, Jackal, Common Fox, Desert Fox,
Pheasants, Black Partridge, Gray Partridge, Quails, Sandgrouse, Ducks, Geese,
Spoonbill, Starks, Cranes, Flamingo and Pelican. Though the Kalka, Pinjore, Morni hills,
Kalsia and Kelesar areas have good potential for wildlife, the Aravalli hills in Gurgaon
and Faridabad districts also offer good opportunities for the development of forests in
harmony with the wild life of the area. Many spots in the Aravalli hills have wild bear,
caracel, blue bull, deer, jackal, hare, peafowl, saras crane, rosy pelican, ducks, gray and
black partridges and black buck. But because of deforestation, these are on decline.
Mining and quarrying in the hills will have to be controlled and regulated if wild life is to
be protected.
The hills in the area provide attractive spots for tourism. Badkhal lake, Surajkund,
Damdama lake and Sohna hot springs are major tourist attractions meeting the week-end
recreation needs of people from Delhi. Besides, the land evaluation of this particular area
shows that the land has the ability to support – new development for grazing pastures,
recreation and the protection of flora and fauna. The realization that Delhi is getting over-
congested, and the services and amenities over-burdened, has led to the revival of the
National Region Plan with the enactment of an Act. In the light of the analysis made
above and the overall location of the sites, it is very important to design a blueprint for
the area which can assimilate and integrate the four pronged approach given below:-
(i) Protection of habitat vis-à-vis ecological balance.
(ii) Development of Tourism to provide an economic base for the local population.
(iii) Shifting of selected cultural and recreational facilities from Delhi and the
provision of new facilities for the NCR and domestic and international tourists.
(iv) Education and awareness creation among the local populace on the benefits of
conservation of local flora and fauna, traditional art and architecture.
Thus, it is proposed that a National Park of Culture and Recreation could help
accomplish the four-pronged approach envisaged in the study. Integrating the
preservation of the natural environment with a proposal for a Regional Park within the
framework of regional planning, will provide a sustainable economic base for the
population of the study area and the surrounding settlements, and also contribute to the
economy of the state. This would create an example of development without destruction.
K. [Link] and Vinita Yadav
The proposed National Park of Culture and Recreation will be situated in the Aravalli
hills.
Planning for eco-tourism
Delhi is frequently visited by foreign dignitaries and other tourists. The Government
of India has proposed seven regional cultural centers. The Central cultural centre as the
headquarters of these seven regional cultural centers envisaged in the seventh five year
plan is proposed to be set up in this area. This could depict the varied aspects of the
regional culture. The Haryana Government at the instance of Department of
Environment, Government of India is searching for an adequate location for a botanical
garden. Some important local and exotic species could be planted along with water
channels and other water bodies. Besides, gardens integrating natural elements like water
bodies and varied land forms may be laid out. A deer park has already been established in
this area. New Delhi often holds national and international exhibitions, meets or
conferences which put a great strain on civic amenities and services. For these national
and international events, exhibition halls are proposed to be located in this picturesque
green area. New Delhi‘s meteorological office is occupying a large area. It is suggested
that the Meteorological office should be shifted to this location. A planetarium has also
been proposed to be established.
The government near Gual Pahari village in the proposed area has already
allotted sites for some prestigious institutions such as the Solar Energy Research Centre
and The Energy Research Institute (TERI). A Deer park finds place near the Surajkund
lakes. Besides, these, sites can be created for advanced research institutes, sports stadium,
libraries, training centers for students in the Bharat Scouts and Guides and the National
Cadet Corps (NCC), a zoo and trade fairs and other fairs of national and international
importance.
Conclusion
It is necessary to emphasize here that the fear that proposing so many activities just
at the threshold of Delhi will additionally strain civic amenities and increase congestion
Tourism and Eco-development in Aravalli Ranges Near Delhi
in the Metropolis as well as in the NCR is unfounded. The proposed activities suggested
here are of a recreational nature and will not promote permanent settlement in and around
the area. This will also not damage the natural environment, but will help to protect and
regenerate it. It should, therefore, be declared a priority for the people of Delhi and other
surrounding towns. In this way, the proposed National Park would introduce a new and
rejuvenating dimension to the currently unsustainable relationship between environment
and development. It must, however, be emphasized that for earmarking various land uses
in the proposed area, a detailed study is required for preparing a layout plan. For this,
some aspects like topography, landscape, and water bodies are required to be studied in
the minutest detail. Data, documentation and field studies regarding the area and various
land uses are pre-requisites. Besides, management and financial aspects must be
adequately dealt with.
References
Anthony Young: “Rural land evaluation in Evaluating Human Environment”, in John A.
Dawson and John C. Doorukamp (Eds.), Essays in Applied Geography
Economic and Statistical Organization Planning Department, Haryana, Statistical
Abstract of Haryana 1990-91 and 2009-10.
Forest Department of Haryana (1983): “Aravalli Hill Afforestation Project Report”
Medicinal Plants and Trees in Aravalli, Forest Department Haryana.
Tripati Pandey (1990): “Tourism Conserve Nature”, The Hindustan Times.
Primary Survey and Discussion and Exchange of Views with Various Individuals and
Field Officers in the Area.
- K. K. Yadav - Vinita Yadav
Ex-Chief Town Planner, Doctorate, Associate Professor,
Government of Harayana, Gurgaon. School of Planning and Architecture,
(Harayana) New Delhi
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