In one of the largest demolition operations in recent months, Gurugram district authorities cleared nearly 450 illegal shanties built on public land in Saraswati Kunj, Sector 53, near the upscale Golf Course Road corridor. The action, carried out with heavy police deployment, covered around two acres and was completed without any major law-and-order disturbance.
Officials said the structures had come up without approvals on notified land and were obstructing internal roads and public access. The drive was launched after repeated complaints from residents and prior notices issued to occupants. Authorities emphasised that the operation aimed to protect government land and prevent further encroachments in the rapidly developing area.
Long-Running Disputes and Illegal Expansion
Saraswati Kunj has remained mired in ownership disputes for years. Established in the early 1980s, the colony has faced allegations of irregular plot allotments far exceeding its planned capacity. While thousands of plots were reportedly issued, only a fraction have been legally validated, leaving the area entangled in litigation and administrative scrutiny.
Despite restrictions on new construction, unauthorised structures continued to emerge, including temporary settlements on roads and vacant parcels. Officials noted that such encroachments not only complicate legal resolution but also strain civic infrastructure and emergency access routes.
Continued Crackdown on Unauthorised Constructions
Saturday’s demolition follows earlier enforcement actions in the same locality, where hundreds of illegal structures were removed in previous drives. Authorities say surveillance of disputed colonies has been intensified, and any construction without valid permissions will face strict action.
“Encroachments on public land cannot be allowed to grow unchecked,” an official stated, adding that similar operations may be conducted in other parts of the city where violations are reported.
Balancing Urban Growth and Land Protection
The Golf Course Road belt is among Gurugram’s most valuable real estate corridors, housing premium residential complexes, corporate offices, and commercial hubs. Officials argue that protecting public land in such strategic zones is essential for planned urban development, infrastructure expansion, and public safety.
With legal disputes still unresolved, authorities reiterated that only constructions backed by approved plans and clear ownership documents will be permitted. For now, the cleared land stands as a visible reminder of the city’s ongoing battle against unauthorised development amid rapid urbanisation.
