8 illegal guest houses sealed in South City-1

In a massive crackdown against illegal guest houses operating from residential premises, the district town planning department on Friday sealed eight units in South City-1. Dhananjay Jha reports.

In a massive crackdown against illegal guest houses operating from residential premises, the district town planning department on Friday sealed eight units in South City-1.

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The officials carrying out the sealing drive had to face resistance by some of the occupants.

Around 20 Nigerians, who were staying in one such guest house in South City-1, manhandled the enforcement staff when they were asked to vacate the house. The premise was sealed later with the help of police.

According to police, the occupants refused to vacate the house even though the enforcement staff showed them documents and tried to convince them that the house was meant for non-commercial use.

“The Nigerians (15-20 in number) manhandled the enforcement staff and also beat up a man sent by the house owner,” said Anil Dabas, district town planner (enforcement).

The enforcement team had identified 13 residential premises in South City-1 that were being used for non-residential purposes.

According to an official, either these houses have been rented out to big companies that use them as guest houses or the owners themselves run guest houses in violation of the town planning norms.

“However, we have managed to seal eight premises on Friday and warned other owners to do away with illegal activities or else face the wrath of the department,” said the official.

Meanwhile, many residential premises in localities of New Gurgaon area are being used for illegal commercial activities.