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Property owners in DLF City, Gurugram, particularly in phases 1-5, face scrutiny for widespread illegal construction and unauthorized commercial activities. The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has identified violations in 4,183 properties, issuing 1,138 notices so far, with a January 31 deadline for compliance. Key violations include unauthorized multi-story buildings and misuse of residential properties for paying guest accommodations and guesthouses. Despite DTCP efforts, legal obstacles and court stays on 167 cases have hindered enforcement. With the Punjab and Haryana High Court set to review the case on January 15, stricter enforcement and compliance are critical to preserving residential zoning integrity.
Property owners in DLF City, Gurugram particularly in phases 1 to 5, are facing significant scrutiny as the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has identified widespread illegal construction and unauthorized commercial activities. A recent survey revealed that violations have been observed in 4,183 houses, prompting the DTCP to take action by issuing notices to homeowners.
The DTCP has already sent 1,138 notices to property owners in DLF-3, with plans to issue more in the coming days. Homeowners have until January 31 to rectify their property designs and cease all illegal commercial activities. Failure to comply may result in demolition and sealing of properties, according to department officials.
This crackdown follows a long-standing issue of unauthorized construction in the DLF area. The survey indicated that a significant portion of the violations-83%-occurred in economically weaker section (EWS) plots, which are typically around 540 square feet. Amit Madholia, the district town planner (enforcement), noted that DLF-3 and DLF-5 have been particularly affected, with unauthorized buildings reaching heights of seven to eight stories. Many of these properties are being used for purposes such as paying guest accommodations and guesthouses, which violate residential zoning laws.
The DTCP's actions are part of an ongoing legal battle that began in 2020 when the DLF City Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) filed a petition against the misuse of residential properties for commercial purposes. The Punjab and Haryana High Court is currently reviewing the case, with a hearing scheduled for January 15. The court has been informed of the DTCP's efforts to tackle the illegal constructions, including the revocation of occupancy certificates for 81 properties in DLF-5. Additionally, DLF management has disconnected water and sewer services to these properties, yet many owners continue to flout regulations.
Despite these measures, enforcement remains challenging due to legal obstacles. Since 2010, the DTCP has conducted 44 demolition and sealing drives across DLF City. However, many property owners have contested these actions in court, leading to a backlog of 227 pending cases, with 167 currently under court-ordered stays. This legal gridlock has hindered the department's ability to enforce compliance effectively.
In light of these challenges, Madholia emphasized the importance of completing the issuance of show-cause notices and restoration orders by the end of the month. The DTCP is committed to addressing these violations and has promised to keep the court updated on their progress.
As the deadline approaches, homeowners in DLF City are urged to take immediate action to comply with the regulations. The ongoing situation highlights the need for stricter enforcement of building codes and zoning laws to maintain the integrity of residential areas. With the potential for further legal action, property owners must navigate these challenges carefully to avoid severe consequences.
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