India: The Haryana Forest Department has reclaimed 1.2 hectares of woodland in Basai, Haryana, from the Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The Times of India newspaper has reported that the GDMA had allotted the land to a proposed ready-mix concrete plant project. The land was reportedly subject to no official agreement as to its use, raising fears of unlawful development.
The Haryana Forest Department said "The reclamation of this forest land is a significant conservation effort for Gurgaon. It sends a clear message that the protection of natural habitats is top priority for us and no kind of encroachment on protected land will be tolerated."
