Rao Narbir Singh visits Jungle Safari Site in Gurugram's Aravalli Range

Haryana’s environment, forests, and wildlife minister, Rao Narbir Singh, inspected the proposed Jungle Safari project site in Gurugram’s Aravalli range on Friday. He issued key instructions to the officials, emphasizing sustainable development and eco-tourism potential due to the site’s proximity to the Capital.

Directives for land identification

The minister directed officials to identify around 2,500 acres of degraded land in villages such as Sakatpur, Gairatpur Bas, Sikohpur, and Norangpur. He stressed preserving the native “dhok” trees (Anogeissus pendula) in the region. Singh clarified that eco-tourism facilities for visitors would only be developed within the earmarked land to avoid disturbing the rest of the mountain range. “This approach ensures the natural habitat remains intact while catering to tourists,” Singh stated.

Singh highlighted the immense eco-tourism potential of the area, given its closeness to Delhi. He said basic facilities would be provided for tourists in the first phase, with all developments confined to the identified area. “We aim to balance development with conservation to protect this valuable natural resource,” Singh added.

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Administrative shift

Recently, the responsibility for the project shifted from the tourism department to the forests and wildlife department. Singh explained that this change would accelerate progress while prioritizing environmental considerations in all activities. He also encouraged officials to adopt strategies that promote sustainable tourism without affecting the region’s natural habitat.

During the visit, senior officials from the forest department discussed technical aspects with the minister. These included zoning plans for tourist facilities, restoring degraded land, and involving local communities in conservation efforts. Singh’s visit underscored the government’s commitment to creating a model eco-tourism project while safeguarding the unique ecosystem of the Aravalli range.