In a city known for its glittering corporate towers and high-end residential complexes, a quieter, long-running battle is being waged. It’s a battle for land and legality. This conflict is playing out in colonies that have been mired in disputes for decades. On a recent Sunday, this struggle came to a head in Saraswati Kunj, a cooperative society along the prestigious Golf Course Road in Gurugram.
Authorities from the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) carried out a major demolition drive. A significant police presence backed their operation. The action was substantial: approximately 350 shanties, two under-construction houses, and a boundary wall were razed to the ground. This decisive action, while a one-day event, is part of a much larger administrative and legal struggle. The Saraswati Kunj demolition is a testament to the complex challenges of urban development in the region.
The Objective of the Drive
The drive had a primary objective: to “restore road access and prevent further unauthorised occupation”. The Golf Course Road belt is one of Gurugram’s most valuable real estate corridors. The presence of illegal structures, particularly those encroaching on the “right of way” (ROW) of internal roads, posed a significant threat to orderly development. District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia stated that the drive was part of a continuous effort to clear illegal constructions across the city.
This is a recurring issue in Gurgaon. A rapid pace of growth has often outstripped proper planning and enforcement. The operation went off peacefully, despite its scale. This highlights the meticulous planning that went into it, with heavy police deployment ensuring no untoward incidents occurred. The Saraswati Kunj demolition was a carefully executed step in a long process.
The Long-Running Legal Dispute
The roots of the Saraswati Kunj dispute run deep. The cooperative society was established in 1983, but has been in legal controversy since 2004. The legal quagmire began when the group allegedly allotted around 9,000 plots, despite having a capacity for only 4,000 houses. A significant gap exists between the promises made and the reality on the ground. For example, only 1,500 plots have been allotted so far.
To address this stalemate, the Haryana government set up a commission in 2016. It was led by retired IAS officer SP Sharma, and tasked with identifying original plot owners and finding a solution. The government also put a ban on all new construction at the time. Yet, despite the ban and the ongoing legal battles, illegal houses and shanties continued to pop up without the necessary permissions. The recent Saraswati Kunj demolition serves as a strong reminder that this behavior will not be tolerated.
Authorities Take Consistent Action
This is not the first time the DTCP has taken action in the area. In June, the enforcement wing had previously demolished four houses that violated approved layout plans. Two other buildings in advanced stages of construction were also sealed. In addition, two labor accommodations that were encroaching on the ROW were razed. A DTCP official had stressed at the time that the ROW must remain clear for public access. No construction is allowed on it under any circumstances.
The consistent nature of these drives shows the authorities’ resolve to reclaim public land and ensure a planned urban environment. However, the recurring nature of the problem also indicates a significant challenge. The cycle of illegal construction, demolition, and reconstruction is difficult to break, particularly in high-demand areas. The Saraswati Kunj demolition is a battle won, but the war against illegal encroachment continues.
A Critical Victory for Urban Planning
Ultimately, this demolition drive is a small but critical victory for a planned and legal urban landscape. While it disrupts the lives of those who have built homes on the land, it also sends a powerful message to those who engage in unauthorized construction. It underscores the importance of adhering to legal frameworks and approved plans. The ongoing disputes in Saraswati Kunj highlight the need for a more transparent and efficient land management system.
The courts, the government, and the citizens must work together to resolve these long-standing issues. Without a clear resolution, these cycles of encroachment and demolition will continue. This causes both social and financial distress. The Saraswati Kunj demolition has brought this issue back into the spotlight.
Source – TOI
