Gurugram administration approves demolition & sealing of illegal units in DLF phases 1 to 5

                Gurgaon: The district administration has approved the town and country planning department's plan for demolition of illegal constructions and sealing of commercial setups in 2,100 
housing units across DLF phases 1 to 5.
While 4,500 properties had been identified for violations earlier, 2,100 units now face demolition and sealing drive that is set to begin from April 4, following orders from Punjab and 
Haryana high court.
The HC had issued directives on Feb 13, following which an enforcement team survey identified over 4,500 properties violating building regulations.
Property owners were served show-cause notices and given seven days to respond. Those who failed to provide a satisfactory explanation are now facing strict action.
The operation is being conducted under the Haryana Urban Development Act and Haryana Building Code regulations.
The department of town and country planning (DTP) enforcement team has finalised the action plan to target illegal constructions and unauthorised commercial activities. To ensure 
smooth execution, four teams have been formed and duty magistrates have been appointed for supervision.
Additionally, a heavy police force will be deployed to prevent any untoward incidents during the operation. Senior DTP officials and the Gurgaon administration will oversee the 
crackdown.
This action is expected to significantly impact thousands of homeowners in these premium residential areas.
Town and country planner (enforcement) Amit Madholia said restoration orders have been issued against more than 2,100 properties, and recommendations have been sent to DTP 
for cancelling their occupation certificates (OC) and disconnecting electricity, water and sewer connections. The on-ground demolition and sealing process will commence from April 4.
The authorities have taken all necessary precautions, with the police and municipal teams on high alert. Any attempt to obstruct the demolition or sealing process will lead to an FIR 
against the property owner.
Walls built to protect shops
Panic has gripped residents, particularly in the economically weaker section (EWS) blocks of DLF 3's U-Block. In a desperate attempt to escape action, many homeowners have built 
brick walls in front of illegal shops operating on the ground floors of their properties.
For years, commercial activities have flourished in these 60-square-yard houses, with many homeowners renting out spaces for shops, paying guest (PG) accommodations and guest 
houses. However, following the HC directive and the upcoming crackdown, these businesses have shut down, leaving once-busy streets eerily empty.
Local sources confirm that the enforcement department is already aware of these last-minute walls and is planning its next course of action. Officials are closely monitoring the 
situation to ensure violators do not evade legal consequences.
The violations in U-Block are among the most severe, with some buildings illegally extended up to seven or eight floors, far beyond permissible limits. The conversion of residential 
spaces into commercial hubs has been a longstanding issue, but the upcoming crackdown is expected to bring stricter enforcement.
While some homeowners believe they can avoid demolition with makeshift modifications, authorities have warned that any tampering with the sealing process will lead to legal action, 
including FIRs. With heavy police deployment planned, any resistance to enforcement may result in strict penalties.

Source : Times of India