How Haryana's New 'Dictionary Meaning of Forest' Impacts the Aravallis
The Haryana government's new definition of 'forest' has sparked controversy, particularly its impact on the ecologically sensitive Aravalli ridge. Environmentalists argue that the narrow definition will leave the Aravallis vulnerable to unchecked development and illegal activities.
AravalliHaryanaForest DefinitionEnvironmental ProtectionSupreme CourtReal Estate NewsAug 21, 2025
In its notification, Haryana’s Environment, Forest and Wildlife department stated: “A patch of land shall be deemed to be ‘forest as per dictionary meaning’ if it fulfills the following conditions:
It has a minimum area of five hectares, if it is in isolation, and a minimum area of two hectares, if it is in contiguity with the government notified forests; and
It has a canopy density of 0.4 (40%) or more.”
The notification further clarifies that “all linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards situated outside the government notified forests shall not be treated as forests under the above definition.” These linear plantations are commonly found along roads, canals, and railway tracks, serving multiple purposes.
The Haryana government’s notification came after the Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories on March 4 to define what constitutes a “forest” and commence surveys to identify forest areas in their respective jurisdictions. The court mandated the formation of expert committees within one month to identify “forest-like areas,” “unclassified forest lands,” and “community forest lands.” These committees were given six months to complete their mapping and submit reports to the Centre.
The court also emphasized that the process must strictly follow the 2011 Lafarge Umiam Mining guidelines, which include a GIS-based decision-support database with district-wise plots that may qualify as “forest” under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (FCA). Chief Secretaries of States and Administrators of UTs who fail to comply will be held “personally accountable for any non-compliance [with the court’s directives].”
These directives are part of the challenge to the 2023 amendment to the FCA, which is currently being heard by the apex court. The FCA of 1980 restricted the dereservation of forests or the use of forest land for non-forest purposes. The Act required prior approval from the Centre for any such changes. In 1996, the Supreme Court, in the case of T N Godavarman Thirumulpad v Union of India, ruled that the word ‘forest’ must be understood according to its dictionary meaning, covering all statutorily recognized forests, regardless of size, official status, or ownership.
This ruling expanded the applicability of the FCA, making it difficult for authorities to undertake changes in land use or allow development. The 2023 amendment aimed to address these issues by making the FCA applicable only to notified forests and lands identified as ‘forest’ in government records. This amendment was challenged by a group of retired Indian Forest Service officers and NGOs, who argued that it substantially diluted the FCA.
In February 2024, the apex court directed all UTs and State governments to follow Godavarman’s definition of ‘forest’ while hearing the case. In March, the court issued directives for the formation of expert committees and the compilation of reports by the Centre. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for September 9.
Although Haryana constituted state- and district-level committees in April, surveys were stalled until a formal definition of “forest” was finalized. Now, with the official notification, these committees can proceed with surveys to determine which areas qualify as forests, a critical step in ensuring they gain protection under the FCA.
However, environmentalists have been critical of Haryana’s definition, which they say creates a very high threshold for a land to be classified as forest. Chetan Agarwal, a forest analyst, told The Indian Express, “It is a pity that Haryana has blindly followed the lead of states like Goa in choosing a minimum threshold of 40% forest canopy cover to identify an area as a deemed forest.”
The Aravallis in the south and west of Haryana receive only 300 to 600 mm of rainfall annually, creating tough conditions for forest growth. Vegetation in this region has adapted over millions of years to a stunted growth of thorny and dry deciduous species and scrub forest conditions. Agarwal added, “The decision to keep such a high threshold of forest cover will exclude much of the Aravallis from the protective embrace of the FCA and is prima facie violative of the 1996 Godavarman judgement.”
The minimum area threshold of 2 and 5 hectares is also unreasonably high for such a dry state and should have been kept at 1 and 2 hectares, respectively, according to Agarwal. This high threshold could lead to significant environmental degradation in the Aravalli region, leaving it vulnerable to unchecked development and illegal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new definition of 'forest' in Haryana?
Haryana defines a 'forest' as a patch of land with a minimum area of five hectares (if in isolation) or two hectares (if contiguous with notified forests) and a canopy density of 40% or more.
Why is the new definition controversial?
Environmentalists argue that the high canopy density and area thresholds will exclude the Aravalli ridge from protection, making it vulnerable to development and illegal activities.
What did the Supreme Court direct in March 2023?
The Supreme Court directed all States and UTs to define 'forest' and form expert committees to identify forest-like areas, unclassified forest lands, and community forest lands within one month.
What is the significance of the 1996 Godavarman judgement?
The 1996 Godavarman judgement expanded the definition of 'forest' to include all statutorily recognized forests, regardless of size, status, or ownership, effectively broadening the applicability of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
What are the environmental concerns in the Aravalli region?
The Aravalli region faces challenges due to low rainfall and rocky terrain, which create tough conditions for forest growth. The high threshold set by Haryana's definition could leave the region vulnerable to environmental degradation.
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