Regardless of whether it’s under the rule of the BJP, Congress, or any previous government in Haryana, illegal construction has remained a serious concern, necessitating the authorities to take strict actions against those involved. Despite the state government’s claims of stringent measures against illegal construction, colonies, and encroachments, the situation persists, with such cases continuing to emerge. It has been revealed that over a span of about five and a half months, the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau (HSeNB) has filed an average of more than 30 FIRs every month, targeting illegal construction in Haryana. Notably, most of these cases are reported in districts of Haryana falling within the National Capital Region (NCR), highlighting the urgent need for control.
The operational methods and casual attitudes of departmental officers regarding illegal construction have been questioned on several occasions. Following the FIRs lodged by the Enforcement Bureau, it has been disclosed that Gurugram district, adjacent to Delhi, tops the list in terms of illegal construction. Out of the total cases, approximately 40 percent have been registered in Gurugram alone.
Official data indicates that from July 17, 2023, to December 31, 2023, the Enforcement Bureau registered a total of 273 FIRs related to illegal construction. Of these, 107 FIRs were filed in Gurugram alone, emphasizing the severity of illegal construction in the area. Rohtak district, also within the NCR, ranks second with 57 FIRs, followed by Karnal, Kurukshetra, Bhiwani, Ambala, Charkhi Dadri, and Yamunanagar with 34, 14, 13, 8, 7, and 7 FIRs, respectively. Additionally, there were 6 FIRs in Kaithal, 5 in Jhajjar, 5 in Hisar, 4 in Panipat, and 4 in Faridabad.
In response to the matter, AS Chawla, ADGP and HSENB Chief, stated that regular drives are being conducted to crack down on those involved in illegal construction. Anyone found engaged in such activities will face consequences, including demolition and FIRs.
Furthermore, it was reported that the Enforcement Bureau conducted 138 drives against encroachments, resulting in the demolition of illegal constructions. The highest number of drives, 28, occurred in Ambala, followed by 24 in Gurugram.
Additionally, there were 19 drives in Rohtak, 13 in Kaithal, 12 in Nuh, 12 in Hisar, 7 in Jind, 5 in Faridabad, and 5 in Bhiwani. Four drives each were conducted in Palwal, Sonipat, Fatehabad, and Rewari, respectively.
The alleged involvement of officials and politicians in these matters has always been a topic of discussion. Interference by public representatives in taking action against illegal constructions has allowed such activities to proliferate unchecked in the state. Builders, both small and large, are engaging in illegal construction without obtaining necessary approvals, often with support from political figures.
Recently, questions were raised about the policy implemented by the Haryana Government to legalize illegal constructions, prompting the Punjab-Haryana High Court to request a response from the Haryana Government regarding a PIL challenging the policy. The petition filed by Krishna Lal Gera highlighted that illegal constructions have encroached upon public land, disregarding building bylaws and parking policies. Despite orders from the High Court and the Supreme Court against such practices, the government issued a notification on June 26, 2018, announcing the legalization of illegal constructions, subject to certain fees. The validity of such constructions now depends on the outcome of this petition.
Districts Demolition drive FIR