Urbanizing Aravalis? Haryana Sets ‘Forest’ Definition for Laws
Representative Image GURUGRAM: Haryana’s government has officially defined “forest” for the first time, establishing a clearer framework for environmental laws that were previously uncertain. However, this definition is more restrictive than the Supreme Court’s guidance from a 1996 ruling, potentially excluding many areas that the same laws aim to protect. A notification issued on August 18 by the state’s forest, environment, and wildlife department states that land parcels of at least 5 hectares (equivalent to 10 football fields) or 2 hectares adjacent to designated forests, must have a canopy density of at least 40% to be labeled as ‘forest.’ This…
