Advertisement
The Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended a careful and measured approach to demolitions in Faridabad's Aravalli region. While stressing the need to remove illegal constructions, the CEC emphasizes distinguishing unauthorized luxury developments from genuine village homes. The committee has suggested close coordination between district authorities and local representatives and recommends demarcating village peripheries with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to avoid permanent loss of forest land. Past reports indicate thousands of homes already occupy protected forest areas.
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) appointed by the Supreme Court has submitted a report highlighting the need for caution in demolitions across Faridabad's Aravalli region. The report underlines the importance of distinguishing between illegal luxury constructions and legitimate village homes, ensuring that the rights of residents are protected. Advertisement
The CEC recommends that district authorities work closely with local representatives when planning demolitions. Each case should be carefully assessed to prevent harm to villagers who have lawfully occupied the area. In some cases, the committee has suggested considering post-facto approval for structures already built by government agencies, including Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran, Haryana Tourism, police departments, and municipal corporations, while restoring nearby forest land.
The report also proposes demarcating contiguous peripheries around existing village settlements in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This step aims to protect both the forest and the residents' homes while preventing permanent loss of forest land. Environmental experts have raised concerns about illegal constructions in Aravallis, warning that unregulated settlements could damage the ecosystem irreversibly.
The CEC has recorded that at least 5,800 houses in Anangpur village alone occupy about 168 acres of protected forest land. This aligns with past Supreme Court directives asking the Haryana government to remove illegal constructions on Aravalli land under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA). Progress has been slow, which is why the committee has emphasized a careful, case-by-case approach.
The Supreme Court will review the CEC's recommendations in an upcoming hearing. The committee's aim is to balance environmental protection with the rights and livelihoods of local residents, ensuring that restoration efforts do not unfairly penalize law-abiding villagers.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
