Gurugram: DLF-3 residents to keep eye on illegal structures

GURUGRAM: In a first in the city, the residents of DLF-3 have formed a committee to keep a check on unauthorised construction on plots earmarked for houses in the economically weaker section (EWS) category within the licensed colony. The committee will also prepare a database of all EWS plots, ownership details and violations noticed.

The move came after 150 properties on smaller EWS plots, measuring 60 to 120 sq yards, were recently sealed by the department of town and country planning (DTCP) for unauthorised construction and illegal commercial activities.

Residents have been complaining that a few blocks of DLF-3 have become “unliveable” because of the mushrooming of illegal paying guest accommodations and guesthouses, particularly in the EWS plots of 60 and 120 square yards. This, according to them, has caused chaos in the area by adversely affecting resources such as electricity, water supply and other civic amenities.

DTCP officials had spotted, during inspection visits, that plot owners have violated the norms by 100% ground coverage, constructing 6-7 storey buildings and combining two or more plots to use the premises for commercial establishments like offices, grocery shops and restaurants.

During a meeting with district town planner (enforcement) RS Batth on Thursday, the residents agreed to remove encroachments immediately and demolish extra floors constructed in violation of the norms. “The residents will submit an action-taken report on the corrective measures taken by them to the district town planner’s office within 15 days. During this period, the enforcement team will conduct surprise inspection visits and verify whether the residents are removing unauthorised construction or not,” he said.