NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has reported to the apex court that approximately 6,800 unauthorized structures, including farmhouses, schools, and government buildings, have been constructed on 780 acres of designated forest land in Faridabad, violating the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980.
In an interim report dated August 29, the committee noted that this land is recognized under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) of 1900 and spans the villages of Ankhir, Anangpur, Lakkarpur, and Mewla Maharajpur.
The committee highlighted that the area exhibits “all the attributes of forest land” as per the 1980 law and cannot be utilized for non-forest purposes without prior approval from the central government since October 25, 1980.
The CEC indicated that illegal constructions such as farmhouses, marriage halls, and banquet venues have emerged, with district authorities having demolished “241 structures at 88 locations covering 261.06 acres” in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives from July 21, 2022.
Despite these actions, the committee found that large-scale violations continue to occur.
“In Faridabad, Haryana, constructions have arisen over 780.26 acres of land designated under Sections 4 and 5 of the PLPA, 1900, in violation of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980,” the report stated.
In Anangpur alone, there are 5,948 structures spanning 286 acres; Ankhir has 339 structures on nearly 250 acres; Lakkarpur has 313 structures over about 197 acres; and Mewla Maharajpur contains 193 structures across 46 acres.
The CEC pointed out that the demolition of larger commercial structures has led to “a significant decrease in human activity” in these areas and resulted in a “noticeable improvement in vegetation.”
Furthermore, the Forest Department has reported “the presence of spotted deer in this landscape for the first time.”
However, the demolition efforts have sparked backlash among residents, especially in village habitation areas. “Significant resentment was observed among villagers, particularly in Anangpur, who expressed concerns over the protection of their homes,” the CEC noted.
The presence of extensive village habitation complicates enforcement of demolition actions while striving to minimize disruption to legitimate residential areas.
According to official statistics, 5,938 household units, primarily in Anangpur, lie within PLPA-designated land. Villagers are apprehensive about losing their homes and have resisted demolition initiatives.
Authorities have been urged to consider alternatives, such as “demarcating a contiguous periphery around existing settlements,” to protect legitimate dwellings while addressing illegal encroachments.
The CEC also raised concerns about violations by government entities, noting that “certain structures belonging to agencies like the Haryana Shahri Vikas Pradhikaran, Haryana Tourism, Police Department, and Municipal Corporation have been constructed on lands designated under Sections 4 & 5 of the PLPA, 1900, in violation of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.”
The committee suggested these cases might be eligible for post-facto approval by the Centre under the guidelines issued on December 29, 2023, but cautioned that “no government department should undertake any new construction in forest areas in the future, as this could lead to prosecution of the involved officers.”
The committee indicated that 92 proposals from user agencies awaiting post-facto approval remain pending with the Union Environment Ministry, with one project having received Stage I clearance.
To streamline the process, the CEC has decided to hold monthly joint meetings with the ministry, the state government, and applicants to expedite decision-making.
The committee also opposed agencies providing compensatory afforestation land outside the Aravalli region.
“Given the ecological sensitivity of the Aravalli landscape and the repeated directives of this Hon’ble Court for its conservation, it has been determined that only lands within the Aravalli landscape will be accepted,” the report stated.
Steps must also be taken to prevent re-encroachment, such as immediately removing electric lines servicing the demolished structures and borewells dug on those lands.
While praising the “proactive and commendable work” done by district authorities, along with the “active and unwavering” support of the chief secretary, the CEC acknowledged that challenges remain, including interim stays from courts and the complexities involved with small village establishments.
The Supreme Court is set to hear the matter on September 8.
