In response to environmental concerns, the government has reinstated the Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ) in the draft Regional Plan 2041 for the National Capital Region (NCR), protecting vital ecological areas such as the Aravali Ridge. The plan preserves the original 1992 definition of the Aravali range, preventing non-forest activities and safeguarding 179 sq km from development. The move follows strong public support, with over 4,000 submissions urging the restoration of NCZ provisions. As the draft plan nears finalisation, the focus remains on balancing environmental conservation with urban development in the NCR.
The government is taking significant steps to reinstate the Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ) in the draft Regional Plan (RP) 2041 for the National Capital Region (NCR). This move comes as a response to concerns about environmental protections, particularly regarding the Aravali Ridge and major water bodies in the area. The NCZ aims to safeguard crucial ecological areas from development and resource extraction, which is vital for maintaining the region's environmental balance.
The proposed plan highlights the importance of keeping the current definition of the Aravali range intact, as established by the Ministry of Environment in 1992. This definition prohibits non-forest activities in the area and aims to prevent any dilution of environmental policies. A recent court decision established a panel of senior officials to create a unified definition of the Aravali hills, ensuring clarity in environmental governance. According to this draft, the regulations from the 1992 notification will remain in effect unless a competent authority or the Supreme Court issues new directions.
Sources indicate that there has been significant pushback against previous attempts to redefine the NCZ. The draft Regional Plan initially proposed replacing NCZ with a term called Natural Zone (NZ), which could have weakened conservation efforts. The response from the public was overwhelming, with over 4,000 letters and emails received during the consultation phase, most of which argued for the restoration of the NCZ provisions. Public sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the need to preserve natural areas amid rapid urbanisation.
Recent assessments have shown that if the current NCZ provisions are relaxed, approximately 179 square kilometres of land within the Aravali range could become available for construction and stone mining. This raises serious concerns about the potential environmental impacts, including increased pollution and habitat destruction. Additionally, about 217.6 square kilometres currently classified as wasteland in Rajasthan could be converted to industrial use, further straining local ecosystems. The government must consider these implications carefully when finalising the new plan.
The PMO and a Group of Ministers have previously emphasised the importance of preserving the NCZ before the last Lok Sabha elections. Proponents of conservation argue that the preservation of natural spaces is essential for sustainable development, especially in rapidly urbanising regions like the NCR. Balancing development needs with environmental protection will be a critical challenge for policymakers in the coming years.
As the draft RP 2041 moves closer to finalisation, it will be crucial for the authorities to incorporate robust environmental protections. The public's engagement and response to the proposed changes reflect a growing commitment to safeguarding the region's natural heritage, highlighting the importance of responsible governance in the face of development pressures. The final decisions on this plan will not only impact the immediate environment but also set precedents for future urban planning and conservation efforts in the NCR and beyond.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
