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The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has uncovered violations in around 7,500 of the 15,000 houses surveyed across DLF Phases 1 to 5. The issues include illegal construction and commercial activities such as guest houses and paying guest accommodations in residential buildings. The survey is part of a broader crackdown following a petition by Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in DLF City. While the DTCP has sealed properties found violating norms, enforcement challenges persist. Further actions are expected after a hearing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 10.
The Department of Town and Country Planning has identified a significant number of violations in residential buildings across DLF phases 1 to 5. Of the 15,000 houses surveyed, around 7,500 were found to be in breach of building codes and occupation certificate (OC) requirements. These violations include illegal constructions and the use of residential buildings for commercial activities, such as running paying guest accommodations and guest houses.
In DLF Phase 3, over 1,100 show-cause notices were issued, while in Phase 5, 81 occupation certificates were revoked. The findings of this survey form part of a larger crackdown initiated after the Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) of DLF City filed a petition with the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The petition sought action against the irregularities, and the DTCP's findings are set to be presented in court before the hearing scheduled for January 10.
In the meantime, the DTCP has sealed properties that were found violating the norms. Last month, more than 800 properties across various residential colonies were sealed for failing to comply with the rules. However, enforcement continues to face challenges, with many properties resuming illegal activities after obtaining court stays.
According to the 'no-nuisance' policy in licensed colonies, limited commercial activities are permitted on up to 25% of the ground floor area. This includes offices for professionals such as doctors, lawyers, architects, and chartered accountants. However, such activities require prior approval, and a ?60,000 fee must be paid for a five-year term. Properties violating these regulations face severe penalties, including cancellation of occupation certificates, sealing, and even FIRs against the property owners.
The DTCP's enforcement team has indicated that further steps, including additional notices and restoration orders, will be taken following the high court's directions after the January 10 hearing. Amit Madholia, DTP Enforcement, mentioned that the ongoing survey would play a crucial role in shaping future enforcement strategies. The department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring compliance and addressing the widespread illegal activities in the DLF colonies.
The DTCP's crackdown on building code violations and illegal commercial activities in DLF City is making significant headway, with thousands of properties found in non-compliance. Despite challenges, including legal delays and court stays, the department remains determined to enforce regulations and curb illegal practices. The ongoing survey and the upcoming high court hearing are expected to play a key role in determining the next steps, with more enforcement actions likely in the coming days. The case highlights the importance of adherence to residential norms and the efforts being made to restore order in Gurugram's residential sectors.
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