Aravalis Demolition Drive to Remove 800 Illegal Structures in Gurgaon, Faridabad
Demolition drives aimed at removing nearly 800 unauthorized structures in the eco-sensitive Aravalis are set to commence this week in Gurgaon and Faridabad. These structures, including farmhouses, banquet halls, and boundary walls, have been identified in villages such as Anangpur, Ankhir, Mewla Maharajpur, Berhampur, Raisina, and Damdama. The land in these areas is protected under Section 4 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), which the Supreme Court ruled in July 2022 should be treated as forest land, thereby invoking the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The Aravalis demolition plan follows a ground truthing exercise conducted by the state government last December, which verified data collected through aerial photography and satellite radar. This exercise identified 6,793 unauthorized structures in four Faridabad villages, with the majority located in Anangpur. The Supreme Court’s 2022 judgment in the Narinder Singh vs. Divesh Bhutani case, which upheld the National Green Tribunal’s 2013 order, has been a significant driver behind this initiative.
Gurgaon Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav confirmed the Aravalis demolition drive, stating that the Sohna sub-divisional magistrate has been tasked with overseeing the operation. The district administrations of Gurgaon and Faridabad, along with the Haryana forest department, have mapped the areas with illegal structures and prepared a demolition plan.
The Haryana additional chief secretary (forest and wildlife) had previously directed the Faridabad divisional forest officer to compile a list of unauthorized structures using satellite images, drone mapping, and ground reports. Property owners with structures built before October 24, 1980, when the Forest (Conservation) Act came into effect, were given the opportunity to provide evidence to avoid demolition. Notices were issued in October, giving owners 15 days to demolish their structures voluntarily.
This Aravalis demolition drive is a significant step towards preserving the eco-sensitive Aravalis and enforcing environmental regulations in the region.
Read more: GNIDA Approves 5.30% Increase in Land Allocation Rates for 2024-25
for more updates follow us on instagram
