Balwan has identified more than 60 such encroachments, developed over the last few months. “These came to my notice during a visit to Jharsa Bandh (dam) near Sohna Road in Ghasola village,” Balwan said. “The encroachments stretch over several kilometres in length and are about 60 metres wide.”

Balwan said he reviewed the area last in mid-August last year. Construction, he said, was still on. “This is a serious breach.”

The area has several multi-storey buildings and malls involving major builders. Balwan said political “bigwigs” are also involved. “I do not want to disclose names at this stage but I have asked senior forest officials to look into the matter and take action.”