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Aravalis: Farmhouses Defy Law on Protected Hills
31 Mar
Summary
- Permanent structures built on non-buildable hill land in Sohna.
- Farmhouses, pools, and roads encroach on protected Aravali slopes.
- NGT orders monitoring, yet new construction persists near authorities.
In Sohna, Gurgaon, illegal farmhouses and recreational structures are actively being constructed on protected Aravali hills, land legally designated as non-buildable. These permanent constructions, featuring private entries, swimming pools, and paved roads, directly violate environmental regulations and previous National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives.
The Aravali region, particularly in Sohna, is a fragile ecological zone where construction, road building, and tree felling are strictly prohibited without prior approval. Satellite imagery confirms multiple built-up areas within demarcated protected lands, including commercial properties and farm stays.
Despite a public notice from the Sohna Municipal Council stating that any construction on this mutated land is a legal offense, fresh violations are occurring. Environmental activists have voiced strong concerns, noting that this ongoing construction happens "directly under the nose" of local authorities.
This situation persists despite prior enforcement actions. Since 2020, the Sohna Municipal Council has reported demolishing 101 illegal farmhouses and removing extensive boundary walls. Notices have been issued to numerous farmhouse owners following a Punjab and Haryana High Court order, yet new encroachments continue to appear.
