The Haryana government is planning to develop the Aravali safari park across 3,858 hectares in Gurugram and Nuh.

• It aims to be the world’s largest safari park and was one of the election promises made by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
• However, the project has faced strong opposition since its announcement.

About Aravali Safari Park Project

• It is an initiative by the state government of Haryana  to develop the world’s largest safari park. 
• Key Features of the Project
  • Purpose and Design:
    • The project aims to conserve wildlife by showcasing a variety of animals, including big cats, amphibians, and herbivores.
    • It includes a bird park, nature trails for trekking, and an immersive underwater world.
    • There will be ten different zones for different species, including exotic animals and birds.
  • The project will be developed by Tagbin (a tech-experiential company) and The Logical Zoo (a design firm for zoos and aquariums).

Reasons for Opposition

• Environmental Concerns
  • The project is located in the Aravali mountain range, the oldest mountain range in the world, stretching 690 km from Gujarat to Delhi.
  • The Aravalis:
    • Prevent desertification by stopping the Thar Desert from spreading east.
    • Recharge groundwater through their fractured rocks.
    • Support diverse wildlife and plant species.
• Impact on Water Resources
  • The Aravalis act as an aquifer, helping maintain groundwater levels in the water-scarce regions of Gurugram and Nuh.
  • These districts have “over-exploited” groundwater levels, as noted by the Central Ground Water Board.
  • Increased tourism, vehicular traffic, and construction could disturb these aquifers, worsening the water crisis.
• Forest and Conservation Laws
  • The proposed site is classified as “forest” and is protected under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
  • Haryana’s forest cover is just 3.6%, one of the lowest in India, requiring rewilding rather than commercial development.