GURUGRAM: The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has launched a statewide initiative to collect data on infrastructure capacity, encroachments, and funds utilization, following an interim order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the stilt-plus-four (S+4) policy.
In a memo issued on Wednesday, the department instructed key urban agencies—including metropolitan development authorities, municipal corporations, HSVP, HSIIDC, and other local bodies—to provide detailed reports by 10:30 AM on May 1, in anticipation of the next hearing on May 4.
Urban planners believe this effort could significantly impact residential densification policies statewide. “The court is assessing whether infrastructure can support policy changes, making this data essential,” remarked a senior official in the department.
The directive follows a 2024 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) opposing the construction of S+4 floors on residential plots. Central to this effort is evaluating whether current civic infrastructure—roads, sewage systems, water supply, and parking—can support the increased density permitted under the policy.
According to the memo, the high court’s recent order specifically addresses areas like Sector 28 and DLF Phase 1, while confirming that previous state-wide directives will remain in effect pending the final outcome of the petition.
Officials have been authorized to continue removing encroachments and violations as per municipal guidelines, emphasizing that the court’s interim directives are forward-looking.
Following a high-level meeting led by DTCP Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Agarwal, the department is gathering detailed data across various categories. This includes funds collected and spent under External Development Charges (EDC) and Proportionate Development Charges (PDR), timelines for the usage of pending funds, and additional financial requirements for infrastructure improvements.
In a significant administrative move, approvals for S+4 floors have been suspended by deactivating submissions on relevant online platforms, including the S+4 portal and the HOBPAS system.
Agencies are also required to provide details on infrastructure capacity studies conducted in cities and towns, along with planning frameworks for the future.
Notably, DTCP is requesting comprehensive data on encroachments along the right of way (ROW) and unauthorized use of stilt areas. Authorities must submit detailed reports on demolition drives, the types of encroachments removed, roads cleared, and photographic documentation. Separate formats are required for reporting violations related to stilt parking areas, covering actions like sealing, demolitions, and show-cause notices.
Officials have stated that the compiled data will be presented in high court to demonstrate compliance and aid in shaping future policy decisions.
Residents’ groups, especially in older sectors, have voiced ongoing concerns regarding congestion, parking shortages, and the pressures on civic infrastructure resulting from rapid vertical development.
