GURUGRAM: Construction is thriving in the Raisina hills, despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordering Haryana to dismantle illegal structures on protected Aravali lands.
In response to ongoing activities, the forest department initiated another demolition drive, removing structures and boundary walls from approximately 25 acres. They also sealed a borewell and dismantled pillars at two sites that seemed to be intended for future construction.
Forest officials also blocked four roads constructed to provide access to forest areas. This action was taken following repeated court orders prohibiting non-forest use on land classified as ‘gair mumkin pahad’ (uncultivable hill).
The Raisina region has been closely monitored since the NGT identified violations during hearings related to land sales and construction projects.
The tribunal has mandated that Haryana prevent any non-forest usage and restore degraded areas.
Subhash Yadav, conservator of forests for South Haryana, stated, “We discovered encroachments on forest land. We sealed a borewell, demolished a boundary wall on 25 acres, and found groundwork for future pillars in another area.”
Yadav also mentioned, “The forest department plans to issue a public notice urging individuals to remove encroachments on PLPA, Aravali plantations, and land in sectors 4 and 5. Non-forest activities are prohibited in these areas as per several orders from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, NGT, and Supreme Court. Appropriate actions will follow for non-compliance.”
The 1992 Aravali notification prohibits the construction of buildings, roads, and boundary walls, as well as the felling of trees on such lands without prior permission.
Nevertheless, visible construction activity persists in the hills. A recent visit revealed cement mixers in operation, workers engaged in building activities, and trucks transporting construction materials uphill.
New walls and structures continue to emerge in various locations, with gates installed in others.
In December 2022, the NGT instructed Haryana and Rajasthan to establish a monitoring committee to conduct regular reviews until all encroachments on ‘gair mumkin pahad’ lands in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Nuh, and Alwar are removed. This order followed a 2021 directive to clear illegal structures and restore forest lands, which was discussed in the Sonya Ghosh vs. State of Haryana case.
A past survey by the forest department identified at least 500 illegal farmhouses on Aravali land in Gurgaon, particularly in areas like Gwalpahari, Abheypur, Gairatpur Bas, Sohna, Raisina, and Manesar.
Environmentalists express concerns that repeated demolition efforts have not deterred encroachments. “Over a year ago, the NGT directed the removal of illegal structures and the restoration of the area, which has yet to happen. It appears the administration lacks commitment to following the tribunal’s orders. There is no clear plan for moving forward,” stated environmentalist Col (retd) SS Oberoi.
