Gurgaon: The administration has reclaimed nearly 9.5 acres of prime govt land belonging to the tourism department in Sohna. In one of the major anti-encroachment operations undertaken in the district in recent years, around 250 illegal structures spread across two unauthorised settlements — Peer Colony and Pahad Colony — were demolished.The encroached land, located around 1 kilometre from the Gurugram-Alwar Road, witnessed the development of unauthorised residential settlements over the years. According to officials, nearly 100 of the structures were double-storeyed or multistoreyed buildings.The large-scale drive — which continued for two and a half days: from Wed evening till Friday evening — was carried out through a coordinated effort involving the tourism department, GMDA, MCG and Haryana Police. Officials said the operation was completed peacefully without any major law and order issue despite the scale of the encroachment.Describing the operation as one of the most challenging assignments undertaken by the administration, officials said the successful clearance sends “a strong message” against illegal encroachments while reaffirming the govt’s commitment to protecting public land and upholding the rule of law.Authorities said the action followed a series of court rulings that upheld the tourism department’s ownership of the land. The SDM court ruled in favour of the department in 2018, while subsequent legal proceedings, including orders passed in 2024, reaffirmed its claim. During field verification, officials found that occupants were unable to produce valid ownership documents, registered sale deeds or legally enforceable agreements.Officials credited extensive public outreach and dialogue with residents for the peaceful execution of the drive. Multiple meetings were held with local residents and community representatives, while regular announcements were made informing occupants about the legal status of the land and the proposed action. Residents were also given time to vacate the premises and shift their belongings before demolition began.The operation was supervised by town planner RS Batth, GMDA, who was appointed duty magistrate and nodal officer for the drive. Nearly 200 police personnel were deployed under the supervision of DCP South Hitesh Yadav to ensure security and maintain order during the operation.Heavy machinery, including 10 earthmovers and two Poclain machines, along with water tankers, fire brigade vehicles and more than 80 labourers, was engaged for demolition and debris clearance.Officials said local residents repeatedly raised concerns regarding alleged criminal and illegal activities operating from the encroached settlement. The removal of the illegal structures, they said, is expected to improve public safety and restore confidence in law enforcement.
