Faridabad colony in Aravalli forest area to be razed today

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, June 8

The Municipal Corporation Faridabad (MCF) is all set to launch a major demolition drive on 150 acres of forestland encroached upon at Khori-Lakkadpur village in the Aravallis from tomorrow.

Will lose place we called home for 20 years, say Aravalli migrants

The action comes in the wake of the Supreme Court order in which the authorities concerned have been directed to remove all settlements built on the forestland within six weeks.

Prashant Atkan Joint Commissioner, MCF, said assisted by 2,000 policemen, the department would launch the drive at 6 am tomorrow. Ten 10 JCBs and two Poclain machines would be pressed into service.

A support staff of 100, led by three Duty Magistrates (HCS officers), would be supervising the drive.

He said while the total forestland was around 150 acres, 30 acres was cleared of encroachments during a drive in September last year. As many as 1,200 constructions were demolished.

The official said there was 8,000 illegal houses in the area that faced demolition. The task was likely to be completed in three phases, but well within the time period fixed by the court.

According to information, the total population of the 25-year-old colony is 60,000 with over 10,000 houses.

Despite a ban on constructions on the land covered under Section 4 and 5 of the PLPA (Punjab Land Preservation Act), 1900, several unauthorised buildings have come up in the revenue area of Khori-Lakkadpur village over the past two decades.

The colony was carved out by land mafia. Majority of the residents here are migrant workers and labourers.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had passed the order while hearing a plea filed on behalf of residents of Khori Gaon Basti here seeking an immediate stay on the proposed demolition of 10,000 houses in the area. However, noting that the petitioners were bound by the directions of the apex court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court, a Bench directed the MCF to remove all encroachments on forestland not later than six weeks and report compliance.

The administration has been asked to give necessary logistical support for the drive.

Earlier, a petition filed on behalf of the residents here had alleged that the civic body was carrying out demolition unlawfully without following the procedure in accordance with law and was in violation of their right to housing.

60,000 inhabitants

• The population of the 25-year-old colony built on forestland at Khori-Lakkadpur village in the Aravallis is 60,000 with over 10,000 houses
• Despite a ban on constructions on the land covered under Section 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900, several illegal buildings have come up
• The colony was carved out by land mafia and a majority of the residents here are migrant workers and labourers

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