CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has issued urgent directives to police and administrative authorities regarding illegal encroachments and the dumping of construction materials in a residential sector of Gurugram.
While presiding over a complaint from the president of a residents’ welfare association in Sector 57, Gurugram, HHRC Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra took note of conflicting reports from various departments. The police indicated ongoing illegal supply and storage, while the estate officer from Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) claimed that encroachments had been cleared.
The complainant presented recent photographs showing continued illegal activities on the site.
Justice Batra inquired about appreciation letters issued by the Residents’ Welfare Association to the HSVP administrator regarding removal of encroachments, questioning why such actions were taken if illegal practices persisted. The complainant argued that the district administration had not taken sufficient action to address the issue.
Despite periodic removals by HSVP, the complainant noted a lack of sustained monitoring and enforcement, allowing encroachers to return.
Justice Batra highlighted the need for better enforcement and administrative diligence. In a directive dated January 14, he instructed the deputy commissioner of police (East), Gurugram, to personally inspect the area and ensure a permanent resolution of the encroachments.
The HSVP has been mandated to construct a robust boundary wall, install fencing and warning signs, set up CCTV surveillance, provide adequate lighting, and demarcate the area with boundary pillars. Coordination with police for regular patrols was also emphasized.
Furthermore, the HSVP must submit an action report with photographic proof at least one week prior to the next hearing scheduled for March 18.
Dr. Puneet Arora, Assistant Registrar of HHRC, stated that encroaching on public land is not just a law-and-order matter but also infringes on citizens’ rights to a safe and dignified living.
The Commission has directed multiple authorities, including the Gurugram deputy commissioner, police commissioner, municipal corporation, and HSVP officers, to collaborate for a lasting solution.
