Bulldozers roll into Sohna’s Pahad Colony! RS Batth’s action sparks a stir.

Sohna (Gurugram), Haryana: Pahad Colony in Sohna, located adjacent to the Aravalli region, has recently been the focus of attention due to administrative actions. The Haryana government and the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) have adopted a strict stance against illegal constructions and encroachments in the area. In this context, several major drives were conducted under the leadership of District Town Planner (Enforcement) RS Batth, aimed at removing illegal encroachments from government land and protected areas; Batth has stated that the objective is to clear the area completely.

Here are the details of the matter: According to the administration, illegal structures had been built over the years on land belonging to the Tourism Department and other government agencies in Sohna’s Peer Colony and Pahad Colony. Reports indicate that hundreds of families had constructed houses on approximately 9.5 acres of land. Officials stated that, according to government records, this land falls under a protected category and the construction was carried out without authorization. Subsequently, notices were issued to the concerned individuals, and instructions were given to vacate the land.

DTCP officials maintain that the action is being taken against illegal constructions and unauthorized colonies, rather than against any specific individual. The department states that such constructions give rise to legal disputes in the future and also impact the availability of basic amenities.

R.S. Batth’s name has frequently been associated with various campaigns against illegal colonies in the Gurugram and Sohna regions. From 2020 through recent years, the DTCP carried out demolition drives using bulldozers against numerous colonies in villages such as Bhondsi, Sohna, Lakhuwas, and Sancholi. In many instances, road networks, boundary walls, plotted layouts, and under-construction structures were removed.

In March 2021, too, the DTCP had claimed to have removed illegal colonies from approximately 30 acres of land in the Sohna and Bhondsi areas. At that time, RS Batth had stated that the department was receiving continuous complaints and that action was taken following an investigation.

Residents of the Pahad Colony state that many families have been living there for years and possess electricity and water connections, as well as other local documents. They argue that such sudden action causes hardship for poor and middle-class families. Many have also demanded rehabilitation and alternative arrangements. However, the final decision regarding these claims rests with the administration and the courts.

The Haryana government and the DTCP have stated that the campaign against unauthorized colonies in the state will continue unabated. Officials have urged the public to verify the legal status of any land or plot before investing in it. The department maintains that the proliferation of illegal colonies hampers planned urban development and could lead to financial losses for buyers in the future.

A significant part of Sohna is linked to the Aravalli mountain range. Over the past few years, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and various government agencies have expressed concern regarding illegal construction, tree felling, and encroachment in the Aravalli region. Action has also been taken to remove illegal farmhouses and structures in several locations. The administration maintains that it is essential to ensure compliance with environmental protection and land-use regulations.

Divergent opinions have emerged on social media regarding the actions taken by RS Batth. While some view him as a strict official who takes a firm stand against illegal encroachments and unauthorized occupations, others believe that the rehabilitation of affected families should also be considered during such operations. This debate is ongoing, and local opinion appears to be divided.

The action taken in Sohna’s Pahad Colony is part of the ongoing, widespread debate in Haryana regarding illegal constructions and land-use regulations. The administration maintains that the action was carried out in accordance with the law, while those affected are asserting their rights and demanding rehabilitation. Future decisions involving the courts, the administration, and local communities will determine the course of this matter.