In a bid to curb illegal construction in the Aravalis, the Sohna Municipal Council demolished eight unauthorised structures on 10 acres at the Ansal Aravali Retreat in Raisina. This marked the third demolition drive in the area this year, targeting buildings violating the 1992 Aravali notification that prohibits non-forest activities on protected land classified as 'gair mumkin pehad.' Despite repeated actions, illegal structures persist, with an estimated 800 unauthorised developments identified across Gurgaon and Faridabad. Environmentalists stress that periodic demolitions are insufficient, urging stronger enforcement and sustainable measures to protect the ecologically sensitive Aravalis from further encroachment.
In a continued effort to combat illegal construction in the Aravalis, the Sohna Municipal Council demolished eight unauthorised structures on approximately 10 acres of land at the Ansal Aravali Retreat in Raisina on Wednesday. This marked the third demolition drive in the area this year. The operation involved heavy machinery, including earthmovers, to clear the illegal buildings swiftly.
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar confirmed the action, stating, "Desmolition is being carried out by the municipal council officials. It will continue tomorrow as well." The structures were built in violation of the Aravali notification of 1992, which restricts construction and tree felling in protected areas without proper authorisation. The land in question is classified as 'gair mumkin pehad' (uncultivable hill), where non-forest activities are prohibited.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains concerning. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously directed the Haryana and Rajasthan governments to establish a monitoring committee to oversee the removal of encroachments in the Aravalis. However, reports indicate that illegal constructions continue to emerge. Just weeks after a demolition in July, new buildings were reportedly being erected on previously cleared land, raising questions about the effectiveness of these enforcement actions.
Environmentalists have expressed frustration over the ongoing encroachment in the region. Colonel SS Oberoi (retd), an environmental advocate, noted that despite the NGT's directive to demolish illegal buildings and restore the area, real progress had not been seen. He pointed out that the periodic demolition drives were not enough to stop the encroachments. The scale of the problem is significant, with estimates suggesting that around 800 unauthorised structures, including farmhouses and banquet halls, have been identified across various Aravali villages in Gurgaon and Faridabad.
Additionally, a recent survey by the forest department revealed that approximately 500 illegal farmhouses have been constructed in areas surrounding Gwalpahari, Abheypur, Gairatpur Bas, Sohna, Raisina, and Manesar. Alarmingly, reports from February indicated the discovery of an airstrip stretching up to 550 metres, along with a hangar for small planes, situated on a 20-acre plot in a protected area of the Aravalis. This highlights the extent of unauthorised development in the region.
The persistence of illegal construction raises critical questions about land management and environmental protection in the Aravalis. Local authorities are under pressure to enforce the laws more effectively and ensure that the area is preserved for future generations. As demolition drives continue, the community awaits a more sustainable solution to the ongoing encroachment challenges in this ecologically sensitive region.
In conclusion, while the recent demolitions represent a step toward addressing illegal construction in the Aravalis, the recurring emergence of unauthorised structures indicates a deeper issue that needs to be tackled. Effective monitoring and enforcement, along with community involvement and awareness, will be crucial in preserving the ecological integrity of the Aravalis and preventing further illegal development.
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