Advertisement
Following fresh orders from the National Green Tribunal, authorities in Gurgaon have demolished 15 illegal farmhouses built on protected forest land in the Aravali region, covering about 30 acres across eco-sensitive areas like Gwalpahari, Abheypur, and Manesar. The drive, supervised by a duty magistrate, followed show-cause notices and hearings for violators. Meanwhile, Haryana officials have identified over 6,700 illegal constructions in Faridabad's protected zones, with phased demolitions underway. While activists welcome the action, they say enforcement is still reactive, highlighting the need for stricter, preventive measures to protect the fragile Aravali ecosystem from further encroachment and ecological damage.
Following fresh orders from the National Green Tribunal, local authorities in Gurgaon carried out demolition of fifteen farmhouses illegally constructed on protected forest land in the Aravali region. These properties were situated in eco-sensitive areas including Gwalpahari, Abheypur, Gairatpur Bas, Raisina, and Manesar, covering approximately 30 acres in total. Advertisement
The Sohna municipal council conducted the drive under the supervision of a duty magistrate. Prior to demolition, show-cause notices were issued, and hearings were held for the identified violators. These demolitions, though in line with the 1992 Aravali Notification and earlier NGT rulings, come after years of limited enforcement, even though similar action was directed in 2022.
Beyond Gurgaon, Haryana's forest department and revenue officials have launched a broader crackdown. In Faridabad district, thousands of unauthorised constructions, primarily farmhouses and banquet halls, have been identified in areas protected under Section 4 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA). As per official estimates, more than 6,700 illegal structures were identified by mid-June. Demolition work on these has already begun and will continue in phases.
Despite these ongoing actions, activists argue that enforcement remains reactionary rather than preventive.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
