Forest Dept to revive drive against illegal constructions in Faridabad

The Forest Department is planning to revive its drive against illegal constructions on forest land in the district. The last drive, conducted in January this year, led to action against a limited number of encroachments.

500 hectares under illegal occupation

Approximately 500 hectares of land under the Punjab Land Preservation Act in villages such as Ankhir, Mangar, Pali, Anangpur, Dhauj, Mohabatabad, Badkhal and Kattan Pahari, near Surajkund Road, are reported to be under illegal occupation.

Approximately 500 hectares of land under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA-1900) in villages such as Ankhir, Mangar, Pali, Anangpur, Dhauj, Mohabatabad, Badkhal and Kattan Pahari, near Surajkund Road, are reported to be under illegal occupation. Over the past decades, this land has seen rampant construction, including 130 farmhouses and banquet gardens.

Officials attribute the delay in action to several factors, including legal challenges, political interventions and the unavailability of adequate police support. “The election process for the Parliament and state Assembly, which lasted over six months, was a major hurdle,” said environmental activist Sunil Harsana. He alleged that illegal constructions continue despite a blanket ban.

An official survey detected around 7,000 unauthorised constructions in 700 clusters or localities in the area. These include farmhouses, banquet halls, restaurants and residential units, all in violation of the PLPA Act.

“Demolition drives have failed to make a significant impact on most violations,” said Varun Sheokand, a social activist. “The lack of consistent action has encouraged unauthorised growth due to the area’s proximity to Delhi,” added Devinder Singh, a retired official.

In 2021, the authorities reclaimed over 80 acres in Khori village after demolishing around 9,000 structures. However, affected residents alleged discrimination, accusing officials of sparing illegal constructions owned by influential individuals.

“The demolition drive may resume soon, depending on the District Level Committee’s report, which will address pending representations,” said Jhalkar Uyake, Divisional Forest Officer, Faridabad.

Environmentalists stressed the urgency of taking decisive action to protect the region’s preserved land and deter further encroachments.