GURUGRAM: Following a stay on the stilt-plus-four-floor (S+4) policy by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the government has initiated a systematic crackdown aimed at removing illegal house extensions that encroach on public pathways. The enforcement efforts will kick off this Saturday in DLF-1.
District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia has urged residents to voluntarily dismantle encroachments to avoid demolition. Additional Chief Secretary (Town and Country Planning) Anurag Aggarwal issued the directive on April 16, instructing agencies to rectify right-of-way violations by April 22.
The high court, in its review of petitions including Sunil Singh vs. State of Haryana, has halted the policy’s execution amid concerns about infrastructure strain and rampant violations. Although the court did not determine the policy’s legality, it emphasized that no implementation should proceed until the next hearing.
On-site officials are enforcing this initiative as a strict, no-exceptions measure. Madholia stated the plan encompasses all licensed colonies and their internal roads, where encroachments have been reducing public space. “This is a court-ordered initiative linked to a PIL. All encroachments within the right of way—ranging from 9 to 24 meters—must be resolved within a specified timeframe before April 22,” Madholia explained. Eight dedicated teams are set to commence simultaneous operations across different colonies, with the DLF-1 area highlighted as the primary focus. “We appeal to residents to clear any encroachments in front of their homes voluntarily; otherwise, enforcement teams will remove them,” he added.
Authorities indicated that violations are prevalent and often regarded as routine. These include expanded boundaries, fencing, potted plants, guard rooms, generator sets, kiosks, parking structures, and the commercial use of residential properties. In some instances, portions of public road space have been rented.
The government has also spotlighted the misuse of stilt floors designated for parking as a significant issue. Urban planners noted that this crackdown could significantly alter the enforcement of residential layouts in Gurgaon, where rapid vertical growth under the S+4 framework has outstripped infrastructure capabilities.
A senior official remarked that the state is under clear judicial pressure to act decisively. “This is not standard enforcement. The court has set expectations, and the administration is required to deliver visible results within a specified timeframe,” the official stated.
Residents have mixed views regarding the enforcement drive. “It’s long overdue. Roads have been congested for years due to illegal extensions. If the administration is serious this time, it will provide genuine relief,” said a DLF-1 resident. However, some expressed concerns about the abruptness of the actions.
“Many structures have existed for years with implied approval. Sudden demolitions without rehabilitation or adequate notice could negatively impact residents,” voiced another homeowner from South City.
