Haryana Human Rights Commission Takes Strong Stand Against Gurgaon Encroachments
The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has issued a landmark order directing Gurgaon authorities to implement permanent measures to remove encroachments and prevent illegal activities at a nursery school site in Sector 57. The Commission emphasized that encroachment on public land constitutes a violation of citizens' fundamental right to a safe, clean, and dignified life.
Commission's Comprehensive Directives for Sector 57 Site
In an order issued by Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra on January 14 and made public recently, the HHRC has mandated the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) and Gurgaon police to undertake multiple protective measures. The Commission specifically directed the construction of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) or cement concrete (CC) boundary walls with a minimum height of 8 to 10 feet around the vulnerable site.
The comprehensive directives include:
- Installation of permanent iron grills or fencing where feasible
- Prominent warning signboards stating "Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted"
- Reflective signage visible during nighttime hours
- Exploration of CCTV installation at vulnerable points
- Adequate lighting arrangements for the area
- Demarcation of land with proper boundary pillars
- Coordination with local police for periodic patrolling and surprise inspections
Background of the Persistent Encroachment Issue
The complaint was originally filed last year by Roshan Lal Yadav, president of the Residents Welfare Association (RWA) of Sector 57, who alleged ongoing illegal activities at the nursery school site despite previous interventions. During recent hearings, Yadav presented compelling evidence through WhatsApp photographs showing persistent unauthorized dumping and storage of building materials.
"While HSVP removed encroachments periodically, the same individuals re-encroached due to a lack of continuous monitoring, deterrent measures, and strict enforcement by the district administration," Yadav explained during the Commission hearing.
Authorities' Response and Previous Actions
The Commission reviewed multiple reports submitted in compliance with a previous order dated October 31, 2025. A January 12 report from the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) clarified that enforcement in Sector 57 had not been handed over to MCG, and that HSVP itself handled all such activities in its sectors.
A December police report indicated that individuals involved in illegal activities had been instructed to shift operations to non-residential areas, with some complying and others in the process of doing so. The report also listed five FIRs registered at the Sector 56 police station last year for various offences including violations under the Motor Vehicles Act, the Disaster Management Act, and negligent acts leading to infection spread.
High-Level Monitoring and Implementation
During the hearing, DCP East Gaurav Rajpurohit was directed via teleconference to personally oversee the matter and ensure effective, time-bound steps for permanent removal of encroachments. He received specific instructions to submit a detailed status report on the registered FIRs, including whether trials had commenced and the investigation status in each case.
HSVP Administrator Vaishali Sharma, also contacted via teleconference, informed the Commission that a tender had been floated for barricading the area. In response to repeated encroachments, she was directed to implement robust protective measures as outlined in the Commission's order.
Commission's Philosophical Stance on Public Land
Assistant Registrar Dr Puneet Arora made a significant statement clarifying the Commission's perspective on the matter. "The Commission views encroachment on public land as a violation of citizens' right to a safe, clean, and dignified life, and not merely a law-and-order issue," Arora stated, elevating the discussion from administrative compliance to fundamental human rights protection.
Speaking with media representatives after the order, Yadav confirmed that HSVP officials had since visited the site again and informed him that work on implementing the Commission's directions would commence soon. The Sector 57 location, situated just 3 kilometers from the prominent Golf Course Road, has been a persistent concern for local residents who have been advocating for permanent solutions to the encroachment problem.
