Delhi: Not too far, there’s still a green patch

Not too far from the choking pollution of Delhi and rapid urbanisation of Gurugram, exists a village which is not just the true representation of Aravallis, but is also important in keeping a check on the rising air pollution and preserving flora and fauna. Mangar village, just 25 kilometers from Gurugram’s cyber city, has saved the only green patch — ‘Mangar Bani’ — from city builders. 

In 2017, despite the National Green Tribunal orders to maintain the state of affairs in the area, over 200 trees were cut in the ‘Mangar Bani’, the only sacred grove in the area. This felling of trees not just angered the locals, who believe that taking anything from the ‘Bani’ brings evil luck, but also highlighted the rapid movement of builders into the heart of Aravallis. 

In the village, also exists, a five-star hotel  — The Lalit Mangar.

“In the last one decade, the external movement has increased in our village, which has led to some chaos. It was shocking to see people cut trees in the Bani as we have always maintained that it is a sin. Nobody takes anything from here, not even the fallen trees or fruits. The Bani has existed for over 700 years and the temple here has fulfilled many wishes. Those builders have bought lands around the villages, but no way they can enter our sacred space,” says Rajveer, a local.

Soon after the cutting of trees, some environmentalists, artists, students, and photographers came together to highlight the importance of this 1,200 acres green patch in the area. Campaigns were created on social media and walks were conducted to show how important the area is.