100m farmhouse boundary wall in Raisina razed

Gurgaon: The forest department on Thursday demolished a 100m-long wall in the Raisina area, after TOI reported the illegal construction on March 4. It was the first large-scale demolition drive undertaken by the forest department in the Raisina area in two years, and even involved an earth mover.
“As soon as we heard of the violation, our staff visited the area to verify facts. Thereafter, we constituted a team to demolish it. The area is protected, and therefore quick action was necessary. It’s important to send a message that land owners can’t build farmhouses in this area. If any farmhouse owner wants to build a boundary fence, they can plant a hedge, which will add to the area’s vegetation as well,” said Deepak Nanda, district forest officer, Gurgaon.

In the last three months alone, there have been several reports of illegal constructions in the area. In December last year, the forest department removed an illegal construction, while in January this year, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) served a notice to Municipal Council of Sohna for a similar violation. Despite that, illegal constructions continue in Raisina.

TOI’s March 4 report: “New wall comes up along leopard corridor in the Aravalis”, on an illegally built boundary wall, spoke of accessing last month’s camera trap recordings from the area, in which a leopard was spotted twice.

Locals appreciated the forest department’s pro-mpt action.

“Construction of farmhouses has had a severe impact on the green belt of Raisina. We have lost many trees to illegally built boundary walls. Therefore, we’re very happy with the steps taken by the forest department. Often in the past, officials have been reluctant in taking action against well-connected farmhouse owners,” said a local villager, requesting anonymity.