India, Aug. 13 -- Environmental activists and local residents have alleged large-scale destruction of a thriving Aravalli forest patch behind Koliwale Baba Mandir and Sun City, Sector 54, under the Haryana government's "Matri Van" reforestation initiative. The project, inaugurated by the chief minister on August 2, is being executed by a private developer authorised by the Forest Department, they said.

According to the Aravallis Bachao Citizens Movement, between eight and 10 earthmoving machines have been deployed since early Monday to flatten and clear an area equivalent to two football fields. While the patch is dominated by Vilayati Kikar, they claim it sustains diverse flora and fauna, including ground-nesting birds and reptiles, and...