Despite repeated concerns raised over illegal farmhouse constructions in the Aravalli region near Sohna, the Municipal Council of Sohna has yet to take substantial action against the encroachments, raising questions about the seriousness of its enforcement efforts.
Sources indicate that while officials of the council are aware of the illegal activities, action has largely been limited to symbolic gestures.
On Wednesday, the council team had installed a few warning boards and placed notices in front of some farmhouses. In some instances, only partial demolition, such as the dismantling of boundary walls, was carried out.
Municipal Council, Executive Officer (EO) Suman Lata maintained that the council is doing its best to prevent unauthorised construction in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli hills.
“To stop illegal constructions in the Aravali area, we have deployed 12 council guards who monitor the area round-the-clock in shifts and report any suspicious activity. She also claimed that due to the non-availability of a deputy magistrate or police force, the demolition drive is sometimes hampered,” said Lata while speaking to The Pioneer.
However, a ground inspection by The Pioneer revealed a stark contrast to the EO’s claims. Loud music could be heard from within one farmhouse and a pool party was underway at another — activities that are strictly prohibited within the protected Aravalli zone.
Previously, The Pioneer had reported in detail on the illegal construction of farmhouses in the region, especially near Raisina village. In response to those reports, council officials claimed to have initiated a drive to identify and take action against unauthorised structures. Show cause notices were reportedly issued to some property owners, asking them to respond within seven days.
According to officials, many of these illegal constructions begin with the erection of massive boundary walls that shield ongoing development inside. Information gathered suggests that nearly 450 farmhouses have been sold in the Aravallis by private developers, each spanning over one or two acres.
Historical records further expose the scale of encroachment. A survey conducted by the council before 1992 had recognised only four to five legal structures in the area. Any construction that has taken place after 1992 is considered illegal under existing forest and environmental regulations.
Despite these clear violations, the lack of robust enforcement continues to allow illegal construction to thrive in one of Haryana’s most ecologically crucial regions.
