Gensets encroach govt land in Gurugram’s Sector 29

The Haryana Shahri Vikas Pradhikaran plans to clear these encroachments, exactly three years after it had carried out a large-scale demolition drive in August 2015. On Saturday, the authority had warned violators that if corrective measures are not taken, it would seize the generators.

Issues of large-scale encroachment of green belts, fencing of space in front of shops, closed corridors and illegal installation of generators on the green belts have, again, turned Sector 29 market unsafe and an eyesore for visitors.

A visit to the market on Wednesday revealed that eateries, pubs and hotels have installed heavy-duty generators in HSVP’s green belts or on public space, a designated green belt. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

The Haryana Shahri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) plans to clear these encroachments, exactly three years after it had carried out a large-scale demolition drive in August 2015. On Saturday, the authority had warned violators that if corrective measures are not taken, it would seize the generators and carry out a demolition drive in the area.

A visit to the market on Wednesday revealed that eateries, pubs and hotels have installed heavy-duty generators in HSVP’s green belts or on public space, a designated green belt.

The part of the market adjacent to the road opposite Crowne Plaza hotel, in particular, has a number of generators.

“These generators are spewing gases and cause both air and sound pollution. Rather than having so many gensets, the government should upgrade the power infrastructure so that there is no need for these machines,” said Rajesh Kumar, who has been a regular visitor to the market.

Garbage and trash can be seen strewn in spaces behind the eateries in the market, turning these into undesignated garbage dumps. Some restaurants have also set up seating on the rooftops, which is not permitted.

Eateries have fenced the corridor and made space for seating their patrons. This could prove dangerous in case of fire or any other emergency as the space in front of shops as well as the parking area remains filled with cars, said HSVP officials.

An HSVP official, who was involved in surveying violations, said that in a number of cases, public passages have been blocked, space in front of shops fenced and illegal stairways constructed. The stretches adjacent to the Leisure Valley Park, on both sides of the road, have been fenced with green plants and bushes, making it difficult for pedestrians to use the footpath.

A restaurant owner, who runs an establishment in the market, said that they were working mostly within the rules.

“If the power supply is adequate, there would be no need for generators. However, we have not have covered the open area. The market is already facing a slowdown and severe action would be counterproductive,” he said.

“Encroachments of Sector 29 market will be removed and generators on government land, installed without permission, will be seized if these are not removed. Once the encroachment is cleared, steps would be taken to improve the civic conditions and facilities in the area,” said Hari Singh Jakhar, estate officer 1, HSVP.