To

The Chief Administrator, HSVP, Panchkula
The Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula
The Estate Officer, HSVP, Panchkula

Subject: Representation against blanket removal of resident-maintained green berms, gardens, landscaping and minor boundary structures during the proposed anti-encroachment drive

Respected Sir/Madam,

We, the undersigned residents of Panchkula, respectfully submit this representation regarding the anti-encroachment drive proposed by HSVP from 01.06.2026 to 10.07.2026 in various sectors of Panchkula.

At the outset, we wish to clarify that we fully support action against genuine encroachments, including unauthorized permanent structures, commercial encroachments, road obstructions, illegal construction, and any development that adversely affects public movement, public safety, utilities, drainage systems, or traffic visibility.

However, we are deeply concerned about the possibility of a blanket removal of resident-maintained green berms, lawns, gardens, plantations, hedges, landscaped open spaces, and minor boundary structures that have existed for many years and have significantly contributed to the environmental quality and visual appeal of Panchkula.

Many such spaces have been maintained by residents at their own expense for decades through plantation, landscaping, watering, cleaning, and regular upkeep. These efforts have transformed otherwise barren stretches of land into well-maintained green spaces that enhance the city's beauty and environmental health.

We respectfully submit the following:

• Earlier HUDA/HSVP policies recognized the use of incidental open spaces adjoining residential plots for lawns, kitchen gardens, and other open green purposes, subject to prescribed conditions and without permanent construction.
• These maintained green areas help reduce dust, absorb pollutants, lower ambient temperatures, improve groundwater recharge, provide shade, and support biodiversity.
• Residents have invested substantial time, effort, and financial resources in developing and maintaining these green spaces, which would otherwise require continuous maintenance by public authorities.
• The removal of mature trees, shrubs, hedges, and landscaped green areas will significantly reduce greenery and adversely impact the ecological balance of the city.
• Well-maintained green berms and gardens contribute positively to public health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability and often prevent such areas from becoming neglected, unsightly, or prone to misus.

               A clear distinction must be made between:

• • Permanent illegal structures;
  • Commercial encroachments;
  • Road-blocking constructions;
  • Public safety hazards; and
  • Resident-maintained green spaces that do not obstruct public use or movement.
•  The resident-maintained green berms, landscaped frontages, gardens, plantations, and open green spaces have significantly contributed to      Panchkula's identity as one of the most beautiful, planned, and environmentally conscious cities in North India.
• Over the years, these green spaces have enhanced the visual appeal of residential sectors, improved quality of life, and made Panchkula a desirable place to live and visit.
• A blanket removal of all such green developments without distinguishing between environmentally beneficial landscaping and genuine encroachments would result in large-scale destruction of greenery and significantly diminish the beauty, character, and attractiveness of Panchkula.
• Panchkula's extensive greenery is one of its defining features and a major reason why residents choose to live here and why visitors regard it as one of the most attractive and well-planned cities in the region.
• Many residents purchased their homes after observing long-standing development patterns that have existed openly for decades. Where such developments do not create public inconvenience, safety hazards, commercial misuse, or obstruction to public infrastructure, residents should be provided a fair opportunity to bring them into compliance rather than face immediate demolition.

In view of the above, we respectfully request the following:

A. Instead of undertaking a blanket demolition drive across entire sectors, HSVP should constitute dedicated inspection teams comprising officials from HSVP, Municipal Corporation, traffic authorities, and representatives of the concerned Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to conduct site-specific inspections.

B. Individual notices should be issued to each resident clearly specifying:

• The exact nature of the alleged violation;
• The specific area under objection;
• The applicable rule or policy allegedly violated;
• The corrective action required; and
• A reasonable period for voluntary compliance.

C. Residents should be given a fair opportunity to rectify any non-compliant feature before demolition action is initiated.

D. Green berms, lawns, landscaped areas, kitchen gardens, plantations, hedges, and environmentally beneficial open-space developments that do not impede public movement, traffic visibility, utility services, drainage systems, or public safety should not be treated at par with commercial or permanent structural encroachments.

E. Low-height boundary walls, hedges, grills, or transparent see-through fencing up to a reasonable height (approximately 3–4 feet), which do not obstruct traffic visibility, pedestrian movement, emergency access, or the planned character of the sector, should be permitted subject to reasonable design guidelines.

F. Existing mature trees, plantations, and landscaped green areas maintained by residents over many years should be preserved to the maximum extent possible.

G. A transparent review and grievance mechanism should be established whereby residents may seek clarification or appeal before irreversible demolition is undertaken.

H. A joint committee comprising HSVP officials and representatives of Resident Welfare Associations should be constituted to frame practical guidelines that balance environmental protection, public convenience, and compliance with planning norms.

I. Enforcement action should focus primarily on genuine violations, including permanent unauthorized construction, commercial encroachments, traffic hazards, obstruction of public infrastructure, and public safety concerns.

The objective of urban planning should be to preserve and enhance Panchkula's green and planned character while addressing genuine violations. We therefore respectfully request that environmentally beneficial landscaping and non-obstructive minor boundary features be regulated through reasonable guidelines rather than subjected to indiscriminate removal.

We sincerely request your kind intervention to preserve Panchkula's greenery, environmental character, and aesthetic appeal while ensuring fair and transparent compliance with planning regulations.

Thanking you.

Place: Panchkula, Haryana