Smriti Van Encroachments: NGT Issues Notice to Centre, Haryana Govt

The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Central Government, Haryana Government, State Pollution Control Board and the Gurugram Municipal Corporation in connection with a plea raising concerns over impermissible activities taking place in Chandrashekhar Smriti Van, formerly known as Bharat Yatra Kendra, in Bhondsi, Gurugram.

The Smriti Van was established by former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar in the mid 1980s after his Bharat Yatra.

The present petition has been filed by environmental activist Naveen Bamel through Advocate Gaurav Arya. It highlights activities such as illegal encroachments, deforestation, threats to wildlife, loss of leopard habitat, and violations of climate and constitutional mandates in the Chandrashekhar Smriti Van.

In view of this, a bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member A. Senthil Vel issued notice to the relevant authorities, seeking their response.

The Tribunal, in its order, stated, “Issue notice to the respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit before the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing through e-filing. If any respondent directly files the reply without routing it through his advocate, then the said respondent will remain virtually present to assist the Tribunal".

“Illegal encroachments: Resorts, farmhouses, and a 395-acre police training institute (built in 2004 by felling 62,000 trees) violate the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. NGT orders (2019, 2020) criticized Haryana's inaction, yet no remedies followed,” the order notes.

According to the plea, the degradation of the Van undermines India's climate obligations and constitutional mandates under Articles 21, 48A, and 51A(g), impacting vulnerable communities.

During the hearing, Advocate Gaurav Arya, appearing for the applicant, took the Tribunal through a set of photographs showcasing how the forest land had been encroached upon, and also highlighted various illegal constructions. He submitted photographs and news articles in support of the claim of illegal tree felling.

Advocate Gaurav Arya further submitted that due to these illegal activities, the wildlife in the area has been severely affected. It was also submitted that the forest in question functions as a sanctuary for birds, and that a lake once present in the area has now been destroyed.

Placing reliance on the Supreme Court’s judgment in B.I. Wadhera v. Union of India, the counsel argued that the Van qualifies as protected forest land and has been subject to unchecked degradation.

Noting that the matter raises substantial issues concerning environmental compliance, the Tribunal directed all respondents, including the Union of India, to file their replies.

The matter will be heard next on October 14, 2025.

Case Title: Naveen Bamel v. Union of India

Read order here: