Haryana Forest Department Clears 25 Acres of Illegal Encroachments in Sohna's Aravali Hills

The Haryana forest department has undertaken a major enforcement operation to reclaim protected forest land in the Aravali range, demolishing illegal structures spanning approximately 25 acres in the Raisina Hills area of Sohna, Gurugram. The encroachments, which included unauthorized farmhouses and boundary walls, were constructed on land designated as part of the ecologically sensitive Aravali forest zone.

Major Demolition Drive in Protected Aravali Zone

Forest officials confirmed that the demolition operation targeted illegal constructions in Raisina Hills, an area classified as 'gair mumkin pahad' or uncultivable hill terrain under legal protection. The cleared area of approximately 25 acres contained various types of unauthorized structures including farmhouses and compound walls that violated forest land regulations in India.

The enforcement action draws its legal authority from two key legislations: the Punjab Land Preservation Act of 1900 and the Union Environment Ministry's Aravali Notification issued in 1992. These laws collectively prohibit any non-forest use of designated Aravali zones, making the constructions in Raisina Hills entirely illegal.

Broader Encroachment Crisis Across Aravali Range

This demolition operation is part of a wider crackdown on illegal construction activities affecting the Aravali forest range. According to forest department surveys, over 500 illegal farmhouses have been identified across critical Aravali zones throughout the region.

The encroachment problem extends across multiple locations including Gwal Pahari, Abheypur, Gairatpur Bas, Sohna, and Manesar. These areas represent some of the National Capital Region's most environmentally sensitive zones, making the preservation efforts particularly crucial for ecological balance.

Similar to recent enforcement actions like the demolition of illegal structures in Vasai-Virar, authorities have intensified their focus on reclaiming protected lands that have been unlawfully occupied.

National Green Tribunal's Strict Directives

The enforcement drive comes under direct orders from the National Green Tribunal, which has been monitoring the illegal construction situation in the Aravali range. In May 2025, the tribunal issued explicit instructions to the Haryana Chief Secretary to halt all unauthorized construction activities and ensure complete prevention of tree-felling in Aravali zones.

The tribunal's involvement dates back to December 2022, when it mandated the establishment of quarterly monitoring committees to oversee encroachment removal efforts in Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh, and Alwar. These committees are tasked with ensuring systematic action against violations.

The NGT has also taken strict action regarding specific projects, including violations at Ansals Aravali Retreat, where authorities were criticized for allowing demolished structures to be rebuilt in defiance of court orders. This has prompted heightened scrutiny of enforcement compliance.

Future Enforcement Plans and Public Notices

Forest department officials indicated that public notices will be issued before conducting future demolition drives across other encroached zones in the district. This approach aims to provide transparency while maintaining consistent pressure on illegal construction activities in Gurugram and surrounding areas.

The government's renewed enforcement push reflects mounting pressure to comply with tribunal orders and demonstrate sustained vigilance against forest land misuse. The operation underscores the state's commitment to protecting the fragile Aravali ecosystem from continued encroachment threats.

This large-scale demolition represents a significant step in the ongoing battle to preserve the Aravali range, one of the world's oldest mountain ranges and a critical ecological buffer for the National Capital Region.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from verified news sources as of the publication date. Readers are advised to verify current regulations and legal requirements with relevant authorities before making any property-related decisions. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.