The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Union of India and other respondents over alleged violations of environmental laws in Chandrashekhar Smriti Van, formerly known as Bharat Yatra Kendra, located in Bhondsi, Gurugram.
The NGT has directed to file their replies via affidavit at least one week before the next hearing scheduled for October 14, 2025.
The case, filed by environmental activist Naveen Bamel, highlights serious concerns regarding forest encroachment, illegal constructions, and biodiversity loss in the ecologically sensitive area.
A bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr. A. Senthil Vel heard the matter on July 9 and observed that the Original Application raises “substantial issues relating to compliance of environmental norms.”
The applicant, represented by Advocate Gaurav Arya, alleged that large-scale impermissible activities have been permitted on forest land in blatant violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and other legal provisions. Drawing from a range of supporting documents and photographs, the petition identifies a string of infractions:
The petition claims that a 395-acre police training institute was constructed in 2004 by clearing approximately 62,000 trees. Additionally, several resorts and farmhouses are reportedly operating within the forest premises. These developments, the applicant contends, not only disregard the Forest Act but also contradict earlier NGT orders from 2019 and 2020, which had criticized the Haryana government’s inaction.
Moreover, records submitted include reports of the illegal felling of 60 Julie flora trees in 2016, with allegations of continued deforestation that endangers the area’s biodiversity and contributes to desertification.
The petition paints a grim picture of the van’s deteriorating ecological health. Illegal bird poaching, unethical wildlife photography, and recreational activities like volleyball within forest premises have reportedly compromised the sanctuary’s delicate avian population. According to the petitioner, 46% of Haryana’s bird species are at risk.
The van is also reportedly a leopard habitat, and increasing urbanization and tree loss have led to frequent human-animal conflict. Leopard sightings between 2023 and 2025 underline the urgency of safeguarding remaining habitats.
Once a symbol of ecological and cultural harmony, the site now shows signs of neglect. The petition notes broken boundary walls, a dried-up lake, and abandoned facilities that invite anti-social elements and further undermine the sanctity of the space.
