The Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has commenced the felling of 344 trees along a 2-kilometre stretch of Vyapar Kendra Road, situated between sectors 27 and 43.
This move is part of a road expansion project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the area. The Haryana Forest Department granted permission for the tree felling on March 12, 2025, under the condition that compensatory afforestation would be carried out, typically involving the planting of ten times the number of trees removed. However, environmentalists and residents have expressed alarm over the absence of a concrete afforestation plan. Activists argue that the lack of a clear replantation strategy undermines the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and exacerbates concerns about the declining green cover in the region.
According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI) report 2023, Haryana’s forest cover decreased by 14 square kilometres from 2021 to 2023, with Gurgaon’s tree cover standing at 12.9% of its geographical area. This decline is attributed to rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development, which often leads to the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes. For instance, previous projects in the city have seen the felling of thousands of trees without adequate compensatory replantation, raising questions about the effectiveness of afforestation efforts. Residents have voiced their concerns, warning that the loss of these trees will exacerbate air pollution and increase temperatures in the city. They are urging the GMDA to publicly disclose its afforestation strategy and ensure that the city’s green cover is restored.
A GMDA official stated that the authority plans to identify land for afforestation soon but admitted to being unaware of the compensatory plantation requirements. This lack of awareness has intensified public frustration and calls for greater environmental accountability. The situation highlights the need for a more robust framework to protect and expand Haryana’s green spaces. Experts suggest that the state should consider implementing a dedicated Tree Act, similar to Delhi’s, to regulate tree felling and ensure that compensatory afforestation is carried out effectively. Such legislation could provide clearer guidelines and accountability mechanisms, fostering a more sustainable approach to urban development.
As the city continues to expand, balancing infrastructure development with environmental preservation remains a critical challenge. Stakeholders, including government agencies, environmentalists, and residents, must collaborate to develop and implement strategies that protect and enhance the urban green cover, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable urban environment for future generations.
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