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The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently ordered the district administration and the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) to take strict action against over 4,500 unauthorised constructions in Gurugram's DLF Phases 1-5. These violations include illegal modifications and business operations in residential zones, particularly in Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing. The case stems from a PIL filed in 2021 by the DLF City Residents Welfare Association, highlighting unauthorised commercial activity in residential areas. The court instructed the authorities to complete enforcement measures within two months and submit a detailed report.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a directive to the Gurugram district administration and the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) to address over 4,500 instances of unauthorised construction and commercial activity in DLF Phases 1-5. The bench, comprising Justices Sureshwar Thakur and Vikas Suri, instructed officials to take corrective measures within two months and submit an action-taken report by mid-April 2025. Advertisement
This decision followed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the DLF City Residents Welfare Association (RWA) in 2021. The petition drew attention to rampant unauthorised constructions, where numerous residential properties were illegally converted into commercial establishments, including showrooms, automobile dealerships, and business outlets. These violations were found in key areas such as Golf Course Road, MG Road, and internal roads of DLF Phases 1-5.
The court highlighted the strain these activities have placed on civic infrastructure, affecting essential utilities like water supply, sewage, and electricity. The issue is particularly critical in EWS housing located in DLF Phases 3, 4, and 5, where over 2,700 units were found to have undergone extensive unauthorised modifications. Many of these buildings were expanded to six or eight floors, exacerbating infrastructure issues like frequent power outages, water shortages, and drainage problems, which have significantly affected residents' quality of life.
Following the court's order, authorities have begun assessing the identified properties to enforce compliance. DTCP is issuing notices to violators, with plans for swift action that includes sealing, demolition, and even criminal proceedings against those failing to rectify their violations. District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia emphasised that the department has issued show-cause notices, which were delivered via registered post and pasted on the respective properties, ensuring owners had the opportunity to address the violations independently.
Gurugram's unauthorised construction problem is not unique. Similar issues have been reported in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where illegal commercial activities in residential zones have strained civic infrastructure. While this crackdown could improve regulatory compliance and urban planning in the long run, it highlights systemic gaps in housing policies and enforcement mechanisms. With stricter monitoring and collaborative efforts between authorities, developers, and residents, this situation could serve as a precedent for more robust urban planning across Indian cities.
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