Forest Department Takes Action Against Illegal Encroachments in Damdama Lake Catchment
In a decisive move to protect a critical ecological zone, the forest department in Gurgaon initiated a drive on Monday to remove unauthorized structures and fencing from the catchment area of Damdama Lake. This action comes just one day after a report by The Times of India highlighted illegal activities, including land levelling and construction, within this protected region.
Drive Targets Unauthorized Fencing and Land Alterations
Forest department teams, equipped with earthmovers, arrived at the site to dismantle fences surrounding levelled land. The operation focused on a road carved through the catchment, where machinery was used to pull down sections of green chain-link fencing and metal sheets installed along property boundaries. Officials also cleared debris and pushed aside poles from the roadside, with thorny shrubs and rocky soil visible along the edges of the dirt track that runs parallel to the lake's basin.
A forest official stated that the department will continue to monitor the area to prevent future encroachments, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding this protected catchment. The TOI report had flagged fresh land alterations in the zone, which is protected under sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA). This legislation prohibits non-forest activities without prior approval, making the recent developments illegal.
Details of the Encroachment Revealed
During a site visit, TOI discovered that nearly 10 acres of scrub forest had been levelled and enclosed with green chain-link and metal sheets. Evidence of further development included a semi-permanent red-roof structure, an electricity pole, and an overhead power line within the fenced parcel, indicating that power connections had been extended to the site. Additionally, a kuccha road through the catchment had nearly doubled in length over the past three years, now stretching about 3 kilometers compared to around 1.5 kilometers in 2021 and 2023. This road now runs along the lake's basin and links newly constructed structures.
Ecological Significance of Damdama Lake
Damdama Lake, the only surviving Aravali foothill lake, relies on a nearly 5,000-acre catchment area that channels monsoon runoff from surrounding hills into the 62-acre waterbody. This catchment plays a vital role in groundwater recharge for Sohna and Gurgaon, making its protection crucial for local water security and environmental health.
Environmentalists Applaud the Move
Environmentalists have welcomed the forest department's action. Vivek Kamboj, an environmentalist, urged officials to conduct regular inspections in Aravali areas, remove unauthorized structures, and issue warnings that fencing and land levelling inside the catchment can disrupt natural drainage channels and weaken the recharge system that feeds Damdama Lake. This proactive approach is seen as essential for preserving the lake's ecological functions and preventing further degradation.
The drive underscores ongoing efforts to enforce environmental laws and protect sensitive habitats from unauthorized development, highlighting the need for sustained vigilance and regulatory accountability in the region.
