Gurugram development body razes illegal structures along SPR

GURUGRAM: The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) on Tuesday cleared 1.25 acres of government land of encroachments. These illegal structures had come up on the green belt along Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) and service lane of Sector 62-65 dividing road.

According to the officials, the encroachers had used the government land for commercial purposes by building labour camps, gyms, workshops and shops.

Official records show that Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) had acquired these lands a few years ago for construction of roads and had compensated the owners. However after the acquisition, it was handed over to the GMDA.

However, the original landowners built illegal structures on the already acquired land and gave it on Rs 5,000 to Rs 6000 rent to migrant workers.

HSVP had acquired 90 metres on either side of the SPR for green space and for further expansion of the road. But most of the area earmarked for green belt along the roads were encroached in the last four-five years leading to congestion, particularly during peak hours.

The demolition drive was carried out after a few residents filed complaints on the CM Window.

Rajiv Lamba, estate officer of GMDA, said around 40 to 50 illegal structures were razed from the green belt and the service lane. Around 50 policemen from Sector 50 police station accompanied the GMDA officials in the demolition drive.