Aravalli Park Encroachment: DLF Phase 3 Residents Raise Alarm

• Residents flag illegal hutments inside Aravalli Biodiversity Park
• Lack of boundary wall cited as major reason for encroachment
• Authorities assure inspection and possible eviction action

Gurugram: Concerns over safety and environmental damage have intensified in DLF Phase 3, where residents have reported large-scale encroachment inside the nearby Aravalli Biodiversity Park. The Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) of Aravalli Woods condominium has formally approached the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), seeking urgent intervention.

In a letter submitted on March 18, residents highlighted the rapid growth of illegal shanties and temporary structures within the park area. They attributed the situation largely to the absence of a strong boundary wall, which has made the park easily accessible for unauthorised occupation.

Residents claim the encroachment has reached a significant scale, with thousands of labourers reportedly living in temporary settlements inside the park. They have demanded immediate inspection, removal of illegal occupants, and a time-bound plan to secure the area.

Apart from environmental degradation, residents have raised serious security concerns. They say the lack of proper fencing allows not only unauthorised entry by people but also movement of animals into residential premises. Some residents have also alleged that certain encroached areas are being misused as daytime hideouts, adding to safety worries for families, senior citizens, and children. These claims, however, have not been independently verified by authorities.

The issue has gained urgency following recent reports of attempted break-ins in nearby residential blocks, which locals believe could be linked to the park’s current condition.

Officials have acknowledged the complaint and said action will follow. A team from the MCG has already conducted an initial visit, with further inspections planned. Forest department officials stated that any encroachment within forest land will be removed on priority.

Authorities also clarified that responsibilities are divided—while the forest department oversees forest areas, the biodiversity park falls under MCG, and infrastructure such as boundary walls and streetlights is managed by DLF.

In response, DLF said it has initiated measures to improve security. These include joint inspections with residents, installation of additional CCTV cameras, deployment of night patrol teams, and construction of precast boundary wall sections with protective wiring.

Residents, however, maintain that these steps are not enough without a permanent solution. They have urged authorities to construct a robust boundary wall and carry out a complete eviction drive to restore the park and ensure long-term safety.