Gurgaon Authorities Demolish 450 Illegal Shanties in Saraswati Kunj
In a significant move to address unauthorised settlements, district authorities in Gurgaon conducted a demolition drive on Saturday in Saraswati Kunj, Sector 53, targeting nearly 450 shanties spread across two acres. This operation is part of an ongoing crackdown along the Golf Course Road belt, aimed at curbing encroachments and safeguarding public land.
Operation Details and Legal Framework
The demolition, carried out on February 21 with assistance from the Sector 53 police station, proceeded smoothly without major law and order disruptions. Officials stated that the structures were illegal, having been erected on notified land without proper approvals. Enforcement teams acted following complaints and after issuing prior notices to the occupants.
The primary goal of this action is to prevent further encroachment and ensure that public land and road access in the area remain unobstructed. An official emphasized that encroachments in disputed colonies are under close surveillance, with measures taken after due legal process to maintain free movement and land integrity.
Historical Context and Ongoing Disputes
Saraswati Kunj, established in 1983, has been embroiled in legal and ownership conflicts for over two decades. In 2004, the cooperative group allegedly allotted approximately 9,000 plots, far exceeding the colony's capacity of about 4,000 houses. To date, only around 1,500 plots have been formally allotted, highlighting the irregularities.
In response, the Haryana government established a commission in 2016 to investigate these issues and identify original allottees. Authorities have since imposed a ban on new construction until the disputes are resolved. Despite this, unauthorised structures have continued to proliferate without approved building plans or necessary permissions, often encroaching on government land and internal roads meant for public use.
Previous Demolition Drives and Future Implications
This latest drive follows similar actions in the past. In September last year, the Department of Town and Country Planning demolished nearly 350 shanties, two under-construction houses, and a boundary wall in the colony. Additional drives in June targeted illegal houses and led to the sealing of buildings.
Officials confirmed that Saturday's operation is a continuation of these efforts to enforce regulations. With litigation over plot ownership and layout approvals still pending, authorities have reiterated that any construction in Saraswati Kunj without valid permissions remains illegal and subject to demolition. This stance underscores the commitment to resolving long-standing issues and protecting public resources in Gurgaon.
