GMDA, MCG, MCM begin month-long drive against encroachments

GMDA cleared encroachments from Old Railway Road and several sector roads, while MCG demolished 31 structures and MCM removed over 100 kiosks.

Following directions from the Supreme Court to act against illegal encroachments on public roads and unauthorised constructions, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) and Municipal Corporation of Manesar (MCM) have launched a month-long demolition and anti-encroachment drive across Gurugram. The agencies have appealed to residents and property owners to voluntarily remove violations, warning that strict action would follow against those who fail to comply.

GMDA formed 12 enforcement teams, while MCG and MCM will continue demolition and anti-encroachment action across Gurugram for a month. (Parveen Kumar/HT)

The Supreme Court on August 4 directed civic agencies to take action against illegal encroachments and unauthorised constructions on public land. Following the directions, the GMDA on August 6 said coordinated enforcement action would be undertaken by city-based agencies, including the MCG, HSVP and MCM, to reclaim public land.

GMDA clears old Gurugram roads

A GMDA team razes encroachments on master sector roads in Gurugram’s Sector 5 on Monday. (HT photo)

The GMDA on Monday launched its month-long drive in Old Gurugram, clearing encroachments from Old Railway Road, the Sector 3A/4 dividing road, and the Sector 4/7 and Sector 4/9 dividing roads, among other stretches.

RS Bhath, district town planner, enforcement, said teams removed unauthorised structures and obstructions occupying public spaces, including illegal ramps constructed over footpaths and road margins; vending carts; kiosks; and other temporary structures.

“Encroachments along footpaths, green belts and GMDA roads were also cleared to restore the available ROW and improve the movement of pedestrians and vehicles,” he said.

PC Meena, CEO GMDA, said 12 enforcement teams constituted by the authority would continue to take strict action against encroachments and obstructions, particularly those affecting pedestrian movement, road safety and the usability of public infrastructure.

MCG, MCM step up action

An MCG team demolish an illegal construction in the Krishana Colony near Vivekanand Academy in Gurugram on Monday. (Parveen Kumar/HT)

The MCG also launched a demolition drive against illegal and unauthorised constructions and demolished 31 illegal structures on Monday, the first day of the drive, which will continue for a month, officials said.

Officials said teams carried out action in DPG Colony, Sector 34, Ryan Enclave in Bhondsi, Ashok Vihar-2, Krishna Colony, Sector 69, the restricted area around the ammunition depot and Bhimgarh Kheri, among other areas.

Of the eight zones, MCG teams demolished one illegal structure in Zone 1, four each in Zones 2 and 3, three in Zone 4, five each in Zones 5 and 6, and nine in Zone 7.

“Large-scale enforcement action has been initiated across all zones in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court. Roads and footpaths will also be cleared of encroachments. Illegal unauthorised construction in Gurugram would not be tolerated,” said Pradeep Dahiya, MCG Commissioner.

On Monday, the Municipal Corporation of Manesar (MCM) removed more than 100 kiosks, tea stalls and other structures from green belts and public land. The action was carried out along the Rampura village-Hayatpur road stretch and from the Dwarka Expressway towards Kankrola village, officials said, adding that the drive will continue for a month.

Meanwhile, MCM joint commissioner Puneet Kumar said, “Whether permanent or temporary, no unauthorised construction will be allowed in the MCM area. Anyone planning construction must get the building plan approved by the municipal corporation as per the prescribed rules.”