The forest department in Gurgaon registered an offence on Tuesday following allegations by residents of Sector 102A regarding violations of open spaces. These areas, according to the complainants, serve as crucial green patches and wildlife habitats along the Dwarka Expressway corridor.
According to officials, the forest offence report states that 53 trees were uprooted at the site. This action came after an inspection was ordered in response to a complaint about land clearing and tree felling without permission on the nearly 100-acre tract. The land is designated as open space in the Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex 2031 Development Plan.
Gurgaon Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Surender Dangi stated that the department had initiated a field inspection earlier. He added that they are investigating the matter.
An earthmoving machine was observed operating amidst dense vegetation on the parcel located in front of Joyville. Residents reported that trees were being removed and the land cleared, despite its designation as open space in the city's development plan.
The Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex 2031 Development Plan shows a large portion of land in Sector 102A under Land Use Code 700 (Open Spaces). According to the plan's legend, this category includes parks, playgrounds, sports grounds, and water bodies. The parcel lies between Sectors 102, 102A, and 103 along the Dwarka Expressway corridor.
Residents noted that the tract has remained largely undeveloped for years and has evolved into a densely vegetated area supporting local wildlife. They claimed that while the land is earmarked as open space in the master plan, it has not been acquired by the government. Residents have sought immediate intervention from authorities and demanded action against unauthorized tree felling or land clearing.
Joyville resident Sunil Sareen said a citizens' group, the DXPGDA Green Brigade, has been formed to pursue the matter. He stated that they are holding regular meetings and planning to approach the National Green Tribunal soon. Sareen added that the land appears to be cleared for encroachment, as there cannot be any permission for clearing land, bushes, and trees since it is an open space not meant for construction.
Another Joyville resident, Amit Mukeshaw, emphasized that 100 acres have been demarcated as green land in the master plan. The complaint has renewed concerns over the protection of designated open spaces in New Gurgaon, where rapid urbanization has increased pressure on undeveloped land parcels.
