Gurugram: Illegal commercial establishments run from DLF colonies, realtor seeks checks

GURUGRAM: From salons, gyms, grocery stores , clinics to small restaurants, DLF areas have
become a hub of illegal commercial activities. The developer has shared a list of 742 illegal
commercial establishments in its licensed colonies — DLF 1 to 4 — with the department of town
and country planning (DTCP) seeking action against owners of these properties.
The developer said illegal commercial activities were being run from residential units in violation
of the norms framed under Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975.
Along with the list of such residential properties, the developer said in a letter that these illegal
commercial activities are putting extra burden on the civic infrastructure and thus causing
inconvenience to residents. The developer has now demanded action against such property
owners.
In the letter to the district town planner (enforcement) on March 29, the company officials said
besides unauthorised construction, illegal commercial units, including guest houses, PGs,
restaurants and offices are in violation of approved plans. “This has increased the density of
population beyond a sustainable level in the area and has jeopardised amenities and services
like water, sewer, electricity and road in DLF colonies.”
The developer further said, “We are receiving numerous complaints from RWAs and residents
regarding problems being faced by them due to illegal construction and commercialisation in the
residential areas. These activities have caused major problems to the law-abiding residents. In
the interest of these residents, it has been requested to DTCP to take strict action against
offenders as it has not only severely affected the amenities but also pose grave risk to life and
property and can lead to major disaster.”
Based on the complaint, the enforcement wing of the department has constituted a team under
assistant town planner to conduct surveys and serve notices to violators.
Manish Yadav, district town planner (enforcement) said, “We have received a letter from the
developer on illegal commercial activities being run from residential areas. A team has been
constituted led by assistant town planner along with two junior engineers to carry out surveys.
Once survey is done, the identified properties will be served show-cause notices and restoration
orders.” He said if property owners fail to restore the buildings, their occupation certificates will
be withdrawn and a sealing drive will be carried out. “The department will also write to tehsildar
not to approve sale and purchase of such properties,” he added.

According to the norms, no commercial activities, barring a few, can be operated from
residential buildings. A few activities, which fall under non-nuisance category, are allowed only
on ground floors, covering not more than 25% of the area or 50 sqm, whichever is lower. Only to
them, “non-nuisance certificates” have been issued. Non-nuisance professional activities are
those which are carried out by an individual using his/her personal skills and intelligence.