Gustakhi Maaf Haryana: Pawan Kumar Bansal
“Agricultural Fields Amidst Mangar Village’s Rocky Plateau”
“Urgent Call to Protect Aravali’s Sensitive Ecosystem Between Mangar Bani and Faridabad”
“Concerns Over Ecological Impact and Unchecked Development in Mangar Bani”
Dr. Ranbir Singh Phaugat, an eminent researcher, warns against disturbing the Aravali region between Mangar Bani and Faridabad due to its highly sensitive ecology. The area has already seen a significant loss of Butea monosperma (Dhak) trees, and several acres of agricultural land beneath the table rocks in Mangar Bani have been occupied by non-resident outsiders. The potential re-entry of animals like tigers into a Safari Park would jeopardize the survival of smaller prey species and birds, causing severe disruption to the local ecosystem. Additionally, the development of a Safari Park could turn the area into a heat pocket within just 20 years. At best, certain areas near the villages could be protected through forest and wilderness fencing.
It is clear that property developers and political interests are eyeing the land for personal gain. Two years ago, Dr. Phaugat visited Mangar Bani on foot, closely studying the area’s unique, slow-growing vegetation, water holes, and rich avian life. Sunil Harsana, an environmental enthusiast, shared with him that Mangar Bani has abundant birdlife. However, there are challenges in restricting outsiders from buying village land and establishing farmhouses for personal use. While the number of new farmhouses is currently limited, this could increase if allowed.
Dr. Phaugat also sought out prehistoric rock paintings discovered by Sunil Harsana five years ago, which have caught the attention of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Haryana Government. A portion of the Aravali’s crucial ecological reserve has already been damaged by the Surajkund Mela grounds, with its expansion being unstoppable. The moisture present in the piedmont plain, beneath rocky terrain, small bunds, or in the sub-terrain, exists solely due to rainfall. If pressure on underground water increases due to more people settling in from outside, the water source will be depleted, leaving the villagers of Mangar Bani without potable water