GURUGRAM: The five-day anti-encroachment initiative concluded on Wednesday, resulting in opened roads, removal of kiosks, and dismantling of boundary walls in some of the city’s most notable colonies. However, the operation highlighted significant divisions among residents.
While many praised the reclamation of public spaces and broader roadways, others questioned the abruptness of the actions and the inconsistencies in enforcement.
Teams from the town and country planning department executed demolitions across DLF Phase 1, Phase 2, and various licensed colonies, targeting encroachments on roadways, green belts, and public areas. Officials called it one of the most extensive operations in recent months, simultaneously covering nine colonies on Wednesday, with over 20 colonies addressed so far.
In DLF Phase 1, the teams initiated from C Block, addressing 14 lanes and taking action against around 250 residences, followed by the removal of four illegal kiosks in the market area. E Block saw the clearing of six lanes and interventions in front of more than 150 houses.
Officials reported violations included extended boundary walls, gates, and other structures encroaching on public land. Approximately 50 extended walls and gates were demolished, over 130 encroaching lawns, fences, and gardens were cleared, along with more than 30 guard rooms removed and 30 ramps and staircases dismantled. E Block had some of the most significant encroachments, with gates extending up to three feet onto the roadway.
The operation continued in DLF Phase 2, covering N Block, Gulmohar Marg, and P Block. Six lanes in both N and P blocks were cleared, impacting nearly 250 houses. About 15 guard rooms were demolished, and more than 150 lawns and fences were removed.
Residents expressed mixed reactions. Rajiv Mehra from DLF Phase 2 supported the initiative, stating, “Roads had kept shrinking due to uncontrolled extensions. Even emergency vehicles found it hard to navigate. This action was overdue.”
In contrast, Neha Bansal from South City-1 emphasized the need for a more considerate approach. “While encroachments should be removed, many residents were not given sufficient notice. Some structures are decades old and could have been dealt with more sensitively,” she remarked.
Palam Vihar resident Sandeep Yadav expressed stronger criticism: “Why now, and why selectively? Authorities allowed these constructions for years. People invested in good faith, and suddenly, everything is being demolished.”
DLF Phase 1 resident Ankit Khurana suggested a balanced view, stating, “While reclaiming public space is crucial, enforcement should be consistent and communication improved to avoid perceptions of arbitrariness.”
District town planner Amit Madholia stated that a comprehensive report on the five-day operation would be submitted to Chandigarh but clarified that the campaign would persist.
“This is not the conclusion. Actions will continue in remaining colonies and even in areas only partially addressed. A committee of junior engineers will oversee the cleared sites to prevent re-encroachment,” he indicated.
Madholia also urged residents to proactively remove violations, warning that any remaining encroachments would face immediate action without additional notice.
Parallel activities were conducted in South City-1, Greenwood City, Palam Vihar, Sushant Lok-1, Mayfield Garden, Nirvana Country, Uppal Southend, Rosewood City, and other locations. Among the largest clearances, Palam Vihar saw 600 fences, 650 ramps and platforms, and 450 boundary walls dismantled. In South City-1 and Greenwood City, teams demolished 13 guard rooms, 15 advertisement boards, and 12 kiosks.
