Despite strict directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), illegal constructions continue unabated on protected Aravalli land in Gurugram, exposing the alleged inaction and selective enforcement by the Sohna Municipal Council.
According to sources, the council has failed to act on the NGT’s order mandating demolition of unauthorised structures in areas such as Ansal Aravali Retreat, Raisina. In what appears to be a mere formality, notices have been served to a limited number of violators, and public announcements have been made warning farmhouse owners to voluntarily demolish illegal structures or bear the cost of demolition and debris removal.
The Pioneer also assessed the order Copy served by the Sohna Municipal Council.
However, ground reports indicate that these measures have had little to no impact.
During a recent inspection, it was found that illegal construction activities were actively underway at plots including B-01, D-08, E-20, E-34, G-9, CR-27, F-10, F-25, and C-56.
Despite the ongoing violations, a municipal team returned without initiating any demolition drive on Tuesday, raising serious concerns about the council’s commitment to enforcement. Sources reveal that although the council has prepared a comprehensive list of illegal structures, action has been selectively taken against only a few properties. This has led to allegations of favoritism and has cast doubt over the credibility of the council’s operations.
Many landowners in the Aravalli region have reportedly purchased plots under the pretext of building farmhouses but have instead developed luxury accommodations and commercial establishments.
This directly violates the Aravali Notification of 1992, which prohibits construction on “gair mumkin pahar” (uncultivable hills). Despite repeated notifications from various government bodies and clear legal provisions, construction continues, flouting environmental norms.
Earlier, the Sohna Municipal Council had issued notices to around 450 farmhouse owners in Ansal Aravali Retreat and Golden Heights for constructing buildings on prohibited land. These notices were based on an NGT directive issued in October 2018.
According to officials, permanent structures and fencing are banned in the Aravalli forest area. Yet, numerous illegal constructions continue to rise, indicating a failure of enforcement.
“The Sohna municipal council has issued additional notices to people who carried out illegal construction, informing them about potential demolitions. We will be carrying out such demolition drives during the next few days in Raisina,” Sohna SDM Akhilesh Kumar Yadav, said.
Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram has also directed officials to take strict action against violators. However, the actual on-ground implementation remains inconsistent.
In defense, Rajesh Vats, President of the Ansal Retreat Residents Welfare Association (RWA), stated that many of the farmhouses were built on private land purchased from Ansal years ago, with all due stamp duties paid.
“These lands were not part of the Aravalli Notification. However, we understand that some constructions may be on forest land. The RWA has already filed a case in the competent court to clarify whether the land is classified as forest or agricultural,” Vats said.