Archive · 5 Sep 2025
Thousands of Illegal Structures on Protected Land in Faridabad
Imagine a place in Faridabad, India, that is supposed to be a protected forest.
But, some people built homes, schools, and other buildings there without permission.
A special committee told the Supreme Court about this problem.
They found about 6,800 illegal structures.
The government has already torn down some of these buildings.
People living there are upset because they might lose their homes.
The committee wants to balance removing illegal buildings with protecting people's houses.
The committee is working to fix the problem, and they are making plans to plant new trees to make up for the damage.
Around 6,800 unauthorized structures were built on deemed forest land in Faridabad.
The constructions violate the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Authorities have demolished 241 structures, but violations persist.
Villagers in abadi areas express concern over the protection of their houses.
The CEC reported a visible improvement in vegetation after demolition.
- Who
- Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee (CEC)
- What
- Reported the presence of around 6,800 unauthorized structures on deemed forest land in Faridabad, Haryana.
- When
- Report dated August 29, 2024.
- Where
- Faridabad, Haryana, India.
- Why
- Structures were built in violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
- Total Illegal Structures
- Approximately 6,800
- Affected Area
- 780 acres of deemed forest land
- Land Designation
- Notified under Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900
- Structures Demolished
- 241 structures across 261.06 acres
- Location of Violations
- Faridabad, Haryana
- Examples of Illegal Structures
- Farmhouses, schools, government buildings, and more
