GURUGRAM: In a significant initiative aimed at clearing public space infringements, enforcement teams have dismantled illegal extensions from nearly 1,000 homes in just three days. These demolitions included ramps, guard rooms, lawns, kiosks, and other structures encroaching on public land across major licensed colonies.
With two days remaining in this operation, the town and country planning department (DTCP) is preparing to submit an action report to the state government. The affected areas include DLF Phase 1, South City 1, Palam Vihar, Sushant Lok-2, Uppal Southend, Malibu Town, Ardee City, and Suncity. This cleanup follows a stay from the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the state’s stilt-plus-four-floor policy, along with a directive for agencies to address right-of-way violations by April 22.
Officials emphasized that the drive aims to reclaim roads, green belts, and public spaces that have decreased due to years of unregulated encroachment. “This initiative is court-mandated in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). All encroachments within the designated right of way—ranging from 9 to 24 meters—must be removed systematically by April 22,” stated Amit Madholia, the district town planner (enforcement).
On Monday, enforcement efforts intensified across various colonies. In DLF Phase 1, where the operation first began, teams inspected approximately 550 homes in A Block Extension and J Block, concentrating on areas like Jacaranda Marg and Bougainvilla Marg, resulting in the removal of illegal extensions. The operation commenced at Central Arcade market, where an unauthorized taxi stand and kiosks were demolished.
DTCP teams also eliminated general stores and temporary structures on Dakshin Marg, dismantled roughly 150 illegal lawns and extended parks, and removed 40 ramps, barricades, staircases, and gates outside more than 100 homes.
In South City 1, encroachments from 96 homes were cleared, especially where private lawns and fencing intruded onto internal roads. Additionally, 15 labor quarters and toilets built on public property were demolished, along with 27 guard rooms and 17 illegal hoardings.
In Palam Vihar, the operation targeted 140 homes in Block A where fencing and other obstructions along an 18-meter-wide road were removed. Near Golf Course Road in Sushant Lok-2, 15 ramps, nine steps, six DG sets positioned on footpaths, three guard rooms, and 16 instances of landscaping extending onto roads were dismantled.
In Uppal Southend and Malibu Town, officials dismantled illegal barricades and boundary walls, removed ramps and steps, and cleared encroachments from green spaces, including 14 metal barricades and two constructed structures. A PG accommodation operating without adherence to regulations was also identified. Similar enforcement actions occurred in Ardee City, Suncity, Adani Samara, and Brahma City.
“While these violations may seem minor individually, collectively they obstruct infrastructure, narrow roadways, and pose safety risks,” Madholia remarked. He added that eight teams are currently deployed, urging residents to voluntarily remove encroachments or face demolition without exception.
The high court has temporarily halted the implementation of the S-plus-4 policy due to concerns regarding infrastructure strain and rampant violations. An order issued by the government on April 16, from additional chief secretary Anurag Aggarwal, highlighted misuse of stilt levels designated for parking, many of which have been converted into commercial spaces or residences.
Officials indicated that the operation will persist in other pockets and against repeated infractions.
