The Ongoing Cycle of Demolition and Reconstruction of Farmhouses in Raisina,Gurugram

Just two weeks after the district administration demolished illegal farmhouses in Ansals Aravali Retreat, Raisina, reconstruction activities are already in full swing. A recent visit by the Times of India (TOI) revealed that not only are previously demolished buildings being rebuilt, but additional protected land has been cleared, new roads constructed, and electricity poles erected, indicating a swift return to prior conditions.

Ongoing Construction Amid Legal Challenges

On a specific lane beginning at farmhouse number C-117, several new concrete structures have been completed, with construction on three more set to commence soon. Local residents reported that this cycle of demolition followed by reconstruction is a recurring issue. "Several farmhouses that were demolished earlier have already been rebuilt, and those razed 15 days ago are also being reconstructed," said Bholu, a security guard at one of the farmhouses. Currently, construction is ongoing at 12 plots, with 5-6 borewells being dug and new roads being laid.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The scenic beauty of Raisina, surrounded by lush green hills, continues to drive up land prices despite ongoing legal challenges. "This is nothing new. Every time after demolition, repair work starts and sometimes new buildings are constructed. This cycle has led people to develop resistance to these activities," said Pradeep Singh, a resident of Raisina. Gokul, another local, mentioned that many individuals continue to purchase land in the area despite knowing about the government's prohibitions and the history of demolitions.

Legal and Environmental Protections

The land in question is classified as 'gair mumkin pahar' and is protected under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) and the Aravali Notification of 1992, which prohibits construction and tree felling without mandatory permission from authorities. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, allowing this cycle to continue. Some farmhouse owners have attempted to protect their properties by pasting court orders on their gates, suggesting their properties are immune from demolition. These claims are unfounded, as the court orders merely emphasize following due procedure and the need for geo-tagged pictures of violations before demolition.

Government and Judicial Interventions

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Haryana and Rajasthan governments to establish a monitoring committee and conduct periodic reviews to eliminate all encroachments from the Aravalis inGurugram, Faridabad, Nuh, and Alwar. These efforts aim to restore forestland and submit action-taken reports. A detailed list of these illegal structures was submitted to the NGT in the Sonya Ghosh vs. State of Haryana case last year, which included information about the total area occupied by encroachers and their locations.

A forest department survey revealed that at least 500 farmhouses have been illegally constructed on Aravali land in Gurugram. In 2020, the Gurugram administration replaced the term 'gair mumkin pahar' with 'gair mumkin farmhouse' in revenue records, facilitating farmhouse owners in bypassing the provisions of the Aravali Notification.

Environmental Concerns and Conservation Efforts

Environmentalists have voiced significant concerns about the ongoing encroachments in the area. Col SS Oberoi (retd) noted, "Despite NGT orders in Oct 2018 to remove encroachments and restore forests in the Aravalis, construction has only increased in Raisina due to delayed actions by the district administration." Forest analyst Chetan Agarwal highlighted the ecological importance of the Raisina hills and Aravali Retreat as a wildlife corridor between Sariska National Park and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, emphasizing the need for conservation and the removal of illegal structures and activities.

Challenges in Enforcement

The persistent cycle of demolition and reconstruction underscores the difficulties in enforcing land use regulations, reflecting broader issues of governance, environmental degradation, and the relentless demand for prime real estate. As authorities continue to face these challenges, the ecological integrity of the Aravalis remains at risk, necessitating more effective and sustained efforts to protect this vital natural heritage.

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