Gurugram: Residents protest against demolition drives, officials defend move

While locals said the civic authorities are not providing amenities despite them paying property tax and development charges, officials of the town and country planning department said demolitions are being carried out in illegal colonies and against constructions which are not part of the approved building plans

Around 1,000 residents of New Palam Vihar and its adjoining areas, under the aegis of Jan Adhikar Sangathan, congregated at Shaheed Major Vinod Rana park on Saturday to protest against the demolition drive being carried out by the civic agencies.

Gurugram, India - Oct. 2, 2021: Sanitation workers (Safai Karanchari) of MCG stage a protest at MCG office, Sector 34 headquarter, in Gurugram, India, on Saturday, October 2, 2021. (Photo by Vipin Kumar / Hindustan Times) (Vipin Kumar /HT PHOTO)

While locals said that the civic authorities are not providing amenities despite them paying property tax and development charges, officials of the town and country planning department said demolitions are being carried out in illegal colonies and against constructions which are not part of the approved building plans.

Bir Singh, former sarpanch of Bajghera, who is spearheading the Sangathan , said demolition drives are being carried out arbitrarily and without any reason. “The demolition drives were stopped in New Palam Vihar in 2005. After that, no such action was taken. It is surprising that suddenly, such actions are being carried out despite the fact that the local MLA Rakesh Daulatabad is from this area,” said Singh.

Rakesh Rana, president of Sai Kunj RWA, said the government agencies have failed in bringing development and were engaged in seeking taxes only.

R S Bhath, district town planner said that demolitions are being carried out only if illegal constructions have been made. “New construction without permission is not allowed. We will take action against illegal colonies and buildings according to rules. We also appeal to people to avoid buying properties in illegal colonies,” he said.