Started 8 days ago, Aravalli demolition drive loses pace

Bijendra Ahlawat

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Tribune News Service

Faridabad, August 18

With the power supply network still intact for the farmhouses located in the forest area of the Aravalli belt here, the drive against the unauthorised constructions has been claimed as tardy in comparison to the drive that was taken up against the residential colony at Khori last month.

Action only after request by dept

We’ll be able to act only after we receive a request from the department concerned. power department official

Only six farmhouses have been razed against the target of 130 constructions that have been identified as illegal by the Forest Department. These have come up in the form of farmhouses, marriage palaces and other constructions in violation of the PLPA Act.

“Though the drive was launched onAugust 10, the authorities concerned have been able to remove only six structures, suggesting that the speed of the drive is too slow and lacks the steam that was exhibited during the Khori drive,” claim sources in the district administration.

While the authorities had removed the power supply network prior to demolition at Khori, it is surprising that nothing like that has been done in the case of farmhouses so far, said Gowra Prasad, a member of the Majdoor Awas Sangharsh Samiti Khori.

Divisional Forest Officer Rajkumar said action would be taken in compliance with the SC order. “Notices have been given to the constructions that have come up on the land of Lakadpur, Kot, Pali, Bhankri, Dhauj, Sirohi, Khori Jamalpur, Anangpur, Mewla Maharajpur, Ankhir, Gothra Mohabtabad and Badkhal villages protected under Sections 4 and 5 of PLPA Act.”

Ordering the removal of all illegal structures standing on forestland last month, the SC is due to hear a petition regarding these constructions on Thursday.