Aravalli forest land cleared from encroachments in Khori, SC told

NEW DELHI: The Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) on Monday told the Supreme Court that it has removed all structures in Khori Village that came up on 150 acres of Aravalli forest land, along with 10 of the 140 illegal farmhouses “acting without exception while taking action against encroachments”.

The Supreme Court on June 7 granted six weeks to the municipal body to clear the Aravalli forest land from all encroachments “without any exception”. The demolition of Khori village began in April this year, but the corporation was unable to complete the task due to resistance from villagers, who approached the top court for rehabilitation prior to eviction. On July 23, the civic body was given an additional four weeks to complete the demolition work and provide food, medicines, and temporary shelter to the needy villagers.

Exactly a month later, the corporation filed an affidavit before the top court on Monday stating that the demolition of the Khori village, that began in April this year, was complete and 150 acres of forest land freed from encroachment was now in possession of the municipal body.

The affidavit filed by MCF commissioner Yash Pal said that the civic body has received a letter from deputy conservator of forests, Faridabad, providing a list of structures that were situated on forest land and were served notices under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) 1990.

“The MCF has carried out demolition of about 10 structures or violations in the shape of farmhouses on the direction of the forest department officials by providing all the necessary support.”

Owners of a few banquet halls also facing demolition appeared before the top court on Monday, seeking stay.

Senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal, who appeared for banquet hall owners, said they enjoy protection of their business under earlier orders passed by the Supreme Court.

Senior advocate Arun Bhardwaj representing MCF said, “No assurance can be given that demolition will not be carried out.” The bench of justices AM Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari backed the corporation saying, “We won’t pass such order (of staying demolition). If it is unauthorised, it has to be demolished.”

Sources close to the development said that a preliminary list of 140 illegal structures has been identified for demolition. “The MCF has planned demolition drive for August 23 and 24 on the violations/illegal structures in the shape of farmhouses within the municipal limits of Faridabad on land notified under PLPA as per preliminary list communicated by Deputy Conservator of Forests, Faridabad,” the MCF affidavit stated.

The list mentions illegal structures situated on revenue land in villages Ankhir, Manger, Mewla Maharajpur Pali, Lakkarpur, Badkhal and Anangpur villages in Faridabad district.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Haryana government, sought three weeks to finalise the rehabilitation policy for Khori residents, but the court granted two weeks.

The court will hear the matter on September 6.