GNIDA Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Construction in Hindon Floodplain
The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has significantly escalated its enforcement actions against illegal construction in environmentally sensitive zones, successfully reclaiming more than 54,000 square meters of encroached land across five villages over a concentrated two-week period. This aggressive drive specifically targets unauthorized development within the protected Hindon floodplain, where construction activities are strictly prohibited under environmental regulations.
Widespread Demolition and Sealing Operations Across Multiple Villages
Officials confirmed that the comprehensive enforcement campaign, executed over the past 16 days, covered the villages of Kheda Choganpur, Bhanota, Haibatpur, Chipiyana Khurd, and Rohillapur. The operations resulted in the sealing of eight unauthorized residential towers containing over 100 flats, alongside the demolition of numerous illegal structures that had been erected in violation of zoning laws and environmental protections.
On Friday, GNIDA teams conducted a major demolition at Shivam Enclave in Haibatpur village, located within the critical Hindon floodplain area. This single operation cleared approximately 7,000 square meters of illegally occupied land. GNIDA General Manager (Project) AK Singh emphasized that these actions were taken in strict compliance with directives issued by the National Green Tribunal, underscoring the legal and environmental imperative behind the crackdown.
Repeated Enforcement in Key Villages
This marked the second significant enforcement action in Haibatpur within a span of less than ten days. Previously, on January 28, the Authority had reclaimed around 6,000 square meters of land in the same village. Officials noted that this area falls within a legally restricted zone where all construction is expressly prohibited, yet unauthorized building activities had persisted despite repeated warnings and official instructions to cease work.
Another demolition drive on Friday targeted Chipiyana Khurd village, where illegal houses and boundary walls sprawling across approximately 2,000 square meters were systematically removed. Just a day earlier, on Thursday, coordinated teams from GNIDA's project and land records departments dismantled boundary walls and other unauthorized structures covering 18,000 square meters across two separate land parcels in Rohillapur. Singh stated that this action was initiated following specific complaints regarding illegal plotting activities within the floodplain.
Sustained Action in Bhanota and Kheda Choganpur
In Bhanota village, the Authority has conducted multiple enforcement drives this year. On February 4, illegal construction covering about 10,000 square meters was demolished, freeing land that officials valued at approximately Rs 20 crore. GNIDA revealed that colonizers had attempted to develop an unauthorized colony by fencing the land and dividing it into plots without proper approvals. A stern warning was issued that any attempts to rebuild on the cleared land would result in immediate legal action.
Earlier, on January 20, another 11,340 square meters of land in Bhanota was cleared after colonizers allegedly began unauthorized plotting by erecting boundary walls and markings without obtaining the necessary approvals from the Authority.
Significant action was also taken in Kheda Choganpur on January 29, where eight residential towers constructed on a plot within a notified area were sealed. Officials confirmed that these towers, containing more than 100 flats, had been built without approved layout plans or proper building sanctions. The flats were vacant at the time of sealing, following earlier notices issued by the Authority. An FIR has been registered in connection with this case, highlighting the legal consequences of such violations.
Official Warnings and Future Enforcement
Additional Chief Executive Officer Sumit Yadav reiterated that construction in notified areas without prior permission or sanctioned maps is strictly prohibited. He affirmed that GNIDA's actions against illegal construction and unauthorized colonies would continue unabated as part of the Authority's commitment to upholding zoning laws and environmental protections.
Yadav strongly urged prospective buyers to exercise due diligence by thoroughly verifying land records and approvals with GNIDA's land records department before purchasing any land or flats in the region. This advisory aims to protect citizens from investing in properties that may face future demolition or legal complications due to unauthorized development.
