Over 700 Illegal Farmhouses in Aravalli to be demolished

Faridabad: In a major crackdown on illegal constructions, the state government is moving forward with the demolition of over 700 farmhouses built illegally within the Aravalli forest area. As the first step, the government has ordered the disconnection of electricity connections to these farmhouses. To ensure swift execution, a dedicated team of 20 has been formed by the power corporation to handle the disconnection process.

For smooth coordination between various departments involved, the Chief Conservator of Forests held a meeting via video conferencing with officials from the Municipal Corporation, District Administration, and Forest Department. Following the power disconnection, the illegal farmhouses will be demolished. Once the demolition drive is complete, a compliance report will be submitted to the Supreme Court.

This action comes after a similar demolition drive in June 2021, where over 5,000 houses were razed in the Khori Colony, an illegal settlement established on Municipal Corporation land within the Aravalli forest area. The demolition of Khori Colony followed a Supreme Court order.

Residents affected by the Khori Colony demolition had approached the Supreme Court demanding the removal of all illegal structures within the Aravalli forest area. The Supreme Court, upholding its commitment to environmental protection, rejected a review petition filed by farmhouse operators on July 21, 2022, and maintained its earlier order for the demolition of all illegal constructions in the Aravalli forest area.