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Property owners across Gurugram's DLF residential colonies have launched protests against the Haryana government's ongoing sealing drive targeting unauthorised paying guest (PG) accommodations and commercial establishments. The demonstrations come days after authorities intensified enforcement in DLF Phases 1 to 5, with owners demanding a policy framework to regularise existing PGs instead of shutting them down.
The protest follows a large-scale enforcement campaign led by the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), which has been sealing PGs, guest houses, clinics, shops and other commercial activities operating in residential buildings without mandatory approvals. Officials maintain that the drive is aimed at ensuring compliance with zoning regulations and curbing the misuse of residential properties, particularly in licensed colonies where commercial operations have expanded rapidly.
On Saturday, hundreds of property owners and residents gathered in DLF Phase 3 before marching through the area, alleging that the enforcement action threatens the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on rental income from PG accommodations. They argued that many owners developed such facilities to cater to Gurugram's growing workforce and student population, filling a gap in affordable rental housing near corporate hubs.
Protesters urged the Haryana government to introduce a one-time regularisation scheme for existing PGs and guest houses instead of continuing with sealing operations. They also called for the implementation of a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy in DLF colonies, contending that neighbourhoods located close to metro stations and major transport corridors should be permitted higher-density mixed-use development to match current urban needs.
Property owners further claimed that repeated policy changes and the absence of a dedicated regulatory framework for PG accommodations have created uncertainty for residents and investors alike. They said many establishments have been functioning for years while paying property taxes and utility charges, and therefore deserve an opportunity to comply with revised norms rather than face immediate closure.
The DTCP, however, has maintained that commercial activities cannot operate in residential premises without statutory approvals and that the enforcement campaign will continue against violations identified during inspections. Officials have stated that notices were served before sealing action was initiated and that the department is acting in accordance with planning regulations governing licensed residential colonies.
The issue has also drawn attention from tenants, many of whom have been asked to vacate affected PGs following the sealing drive. With Gurugram housing one of the country's largest concentrations of corporate offices, the crackdown has raised concerns over the availability of affordable accommodation for working professionals and students, even as authorities insist that urban planning norms must be enforced.
Industry groups and resident associations are now seeking dialogue with the Haryana government to develop a long-term policy balancing regulatory compliance with the city's growing demand for organised rental housing. The outcome of these discussions could shape the future of PG accommodation in Gurugram, where the sector has become an integral part of the city's housing ecosystem.
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