TL;DR: Naveen Solanki, a 23-year-old activist, is fighting to save the 120-acre Dwarka Forest in Delhi from illegal construction and waste dumping. Despite being attacked by a tractor for his activism, police have not filed an FIR. Solanki's efforts have led to a Rs 6 crore fine against authorities and a partial court order to stop tree-felling.
The Dwarka Forest, spread across 120 acres, is a natural, self-grown forest that acts as a green lung for polluted Delhi. Naveen Solanki has been fighting against illegal tree cutting and dumping of construction waste in this forest. His struggle started in 2022, and his complaints led to a fine of nearly Rs 6 crore imposed on the Rail Land Development Authority for illegal tree felling.
But the fight turned violent in February 2024 when a tractor allegedly tried to run him over. Even after providing photographic evidence, the police haven’t filed an FIR. Solanki’s dedication brought him to the Supreme Court, where he managed to secure a partial stay on tree-felling and construction activities in September 2024. However, the order only covers 30 acres of the 120-acre forest.
This forest is home to rich biodiversity and even acts as a migration route for birds heading to the Great Najafgarh Lake. It also protects residents from harmful pollution and jet fumes from the nearby Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Sadly, Solanki’s fight shows how difficult it is for common people to protect the environment against powerful entities. His courage is remarkable but also highlights how the authorities ignore environmental concerns when corporate interests are at stake.
🌍 MediaFx Opinion: It's time we all raise our voice for the environment. Forests like these are the lungs of our country, especially in polluted cities like Delhi. When people like Naveen Solanki fight bravely for our planet, it's our duty to support them. It’s also shameful how the authorities are neglecting their duty to protect nature. This is not just about Dwarka Forest, it's about the survival of common people against the powerful corporate-driven authorities.
