Forest Land Reclaimed: School, Mosque, Church Demolished

Authorities in Sohna have successfully reclaimed around three acres of reserved forest land following a decisive anti-encroachment drive. The operation, executed on Tuesday, saw the demolition of a private school building, a mosque, and a church boundary wall that were illegally constructed on protected forest grounds.

This significant reclamation is a part of a broader, intensified effort by the Gurgaon forest division to protect the Aravali forest ecosystem. The area reclaimed is designated as Sohna reserved forest, where construction is strictly prohibited under the Indian Forest Act. Officials emphasized the importance of preserving these forests, which act as a vital natural barrier against desertification and groundwater depletion.

With the forest department now in possession of the land, further demolition drives are planned in nearby villages. Notices have already been issued to alleged encroachers in Ghamroj and Gairatpur Bas, signaling a continued commitment to recovering government forest land. This enforcement action is bolstered by directions from the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court to safeguard the ecologically sensitive Aravali landscape.