Allegations of illegal borewell drilling resurface in Aravallis

Environmentalists have repeatedly flagged the Haidarpur Viran stretch of the Aravallis as a vulnerable zone facing pressure from encroachments and groundwater extraction.

Published on: Feb 24, 2026, 05:00:02 IST

By Leena Dhankhar

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Allegations of fresh illegal borewell drilling inside the ecologically sensitive Aravalli forest area at Haidarpur Viran behind Suncity Township in Sector 54, have surfaced even as related proceedings remain pending before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) of 2025.

Complainant Vaishali Rana has stated that the alleged activity was being carried out without deterrence.

A complaint addressed to the deputy commissioner of Gurugram, the principal chief conservator of forests (Haryana), and the member secretary of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) alleges that the Kholiwale Baba Temple Trust has resumed drilling new borewells within notified Aravalli land despite the matter being sub judice before the NGT. The case pertains to alleged encroachments, illegal borewells and violations of the Aravalli Notification.

Complainant Vaishali Rana in her complaint sent on Monday has stated that the alleged activity was being carried out without deterrence. “It is deeply disturbing that even while the matter is pending before the NGT, unlawful drilling is being carried out in a fragile forest zone. The Aravallis are already under severe ecological stress, and the groundwater table is dropping at an alarming rate. Such violations undermine both environmental law and public faith in enforcement,” she said, adding that photographic and video evidence had been submitted to authorities.

Rana has sought immediate deputation of forest officials for on-site inspection, inspection by HSPCB officers, seizure of drilling machinery and trucks, an immediate stop-work order, and submission of an action taken report to the competent authority and the NGT.

Drawing a parallel with an incident reported in Manger Bani, Faridabad, in October 2025—where authorities had swiftly intervened to halt alleged illegal drilling— Rana urged Gurugram officials to take similar prompt action.

Responding to the allegations, deputy commissioner Ajay Kumar told HT that an enforcement team had been sent to the site. “The water resources enforcement team was sent to the spot. They have visited the location. We are awaiting the report. As per rules, appropriate action will be taken if any violation is found,” he said.

Haryana cabinet minister Rao Narbir Singh also stated that environmental violations would not be tolerated. “Strict action will be taken against the people responsible if any wrongdoing is established,” he told HT on Monday.

Environmentalists have repeatedly flagged the Haidarpur Viran stretch of the Aravallis as a vulnerable zone facing pressure from encroachments and groundwater extraction. With the NGT matter still pending, activists say any fresh drilling, if confirmed, could complicate the ongoing judicial proceedings and further strain the region’s already depleted aquifers.

Officials said further action would depend on the findings of the inspection report.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leena Dhankhar
Leena Dhankhar is Senior Editor and Bureau Chief, Gurugram, at Hindustan Times, where she has spent over 17 years chronicling the transformation of one of India's fastest-growing urban regions. From starting her career as a crime reporter to leading the Gurugram bureau, her journalism has been defined by investigative reporting, in-depth storytelling and an unwavering focus on public interest. Over nearly two decades, she has reported extensively across crime, politics, civic governance, elections, real estate, environment, courts, sports, education and entertainment, covering Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal. Her reporting has exposed several major scams and systemic failures, including insurance frauds, waste management irregularities, illegal arms manufacturing units in Nuh, illegal mining in the Aravallis, organised crime networks and governance lapses affecting millions of residents. Known for her investigative work and exclusive stories, Leena has reported on high-impact national issues, including the Nicaragua charter flight carrying Indian migrants that was turned back amid allegations of human trafficking, exposing the growing network of illegal immigration rackets. Her work has also focused on gang wars, prison administration, juvenile crime, women and child protection systems, the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee, and environmental challenges such as pollution, waterlogging and deteriorating civic infrastructure. Beyond hard news, Leena has extensively documented Haryana's rich heritage, forests and wildlife, bringing attention to the state's historical landmarks, biodiversity, conservation efforts and ecological challenges through immersive reportage and feature writing. Her journalism has consistently gone beyond breaking news. She has documented Gurugram's rapid urbanisation through long-form narratives and enterprise reporting on issues ranging from pothole-ridden roads, flooding and waste management to the changing social fabric of India's Millennium City. She also writes widely read feature columns, including The Outsider, Changemaker, and Concern for Gurugram, profiling people, places and ideas shaping the city's identity. Leena is the author of Gurugram School Murder, published by Juggernaut Books, a deeply reported account of one of India's most high-profile school murder investigations. She is currently working on her second book, an investigative work exploring some of India's most significant scams and fraud investigations. Beyond print journalism, she has expanded her storytelling through public speaking and digital media. She is a TEDx speaker and has produced podcasts exploring Gurugram's transformation, civic challenges and untold stories. Her work reflects a commitment to narrative journalism that combines rigorous reporting with compelling storytelling. A law graduate with an MBA in Human Resources, Leena brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her reporting, particularly on governance, public policy and legal affairs. She has travelled extensively across India to pursue investigative assignments, often reporting from remote locations and conflict-prone areas in search of stories that matter.Read More

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