Gurgaon Forest Department Cracks Down on Illegal Constructions Around Religious Shrine in Aravalis
The Haryana forest department has initiated strict action against unauthorized permanent constructions that have recently emerged around a decades-old religious shrine located in the Badkhal area of the Aravali hills. Officials have confirmed issuing demolition notices for these structures, which violate critical protections under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA).
Violation of Forest Land Protections
According to forest department officials, the shrine itself has existed for many years, but recent additions including a cemented dharamshala and other built-up portions were constructed without obtaining necessary permissions. The land in question falls under sections 4 and 5 of the PLPA, which designate it as protected forest land where all non-forest activities are strictly prohibited.
"During a routine inspection, we observed that new cemented structures had come up around the old religious site," explained Faridabad divisional forest officer Jhalkar Uyake. "These constructions are not part of the original shrine and were erected without permission on protected forest land."
Once land is notified under these PLPA sections, it receives formal classification as "forest," meaning any construction activity requires specific clearance from authorities. The forest department has given those managing the premises a specified timeframe to remove the illegal structures voluntarily, with legal action promised for non-compliance.
Local Perspectives and Environmental Concerns
Local residents confirmed the gradual expansion around the religious site. "The shrine has been here for as long as I can remember, but the new rooms and boundary walls started appearing only recently," said Rajinder Bhadana, a resident of nearby Ankhir village. "This is forest land that deserves protection."
Environmental activists have expressed serious concerns about this pattern of encroachment. "Encroachment around religious sites represents one of the most common methods through which the Aravalis are being gradually consumed," noted environmentalist Sunil Harsana. "People begin with one small room, then add another, and soon it transforms into a full-fledged structure. Without prompt government intervention, these precious forests face permanent loss."
Supreme Court Directives and Enforcement Challenges
The action follows Supreme Court directives from July 2022 that mandated Haryana authorities to identify and remove all illegal constructions on Aravali land notified under the PLPA. Despite these clear instructions, encroachments remain widespread across multiple areas including Ankhir, Anangpur, Lakkarpur, and Mewla Maharajpur.
Officials acknowledge that only a fraction of illegal constructions have been cleared to date, citing multiple challenges:
- Difficult terrain that complicates demolition operations
- Ongoing litigation that delays enforcement actions
- Resistance from local communities and interest groups
"Our teams are conducting inspections throughout the forest belt," assured DFO Uyake. "Wherever we identify violations, appropriate action is being taken in accordance with the Supreme Court order."
Broader Conservation Efforts
The latest demolition notices in Badkhal form part of a phased initiative to restore forest land and prevent further damage to the fragile Aravali ecosystem. The Aravali range serves as a critical ecological barrier against desertification and plays a vital role in groundwater recharge for the National Capital Region.
Forest department officials emphasize that religious sites themselves are not being targeted, but rather the unauthorized constructions that have expanded around them in violation of environmental laws. The department maintains that consistent enforcement of forest protection laws remains essential for preserving these ecologically sensitive areas for future generations.
As the deadline for voluntary removal approaches, authorities remain prepared to execute demolition operations if necessary, signaling a renewed commitment to protecting the Aravalis from illegal encroachments that threaten their ecological integrity.
