Seven-year struggle of Ivy residents for right of way ends

The RWA wrote to the authorities several times in the past and, finally, on February 28, the department of town and country planning sent a team from the enforcement wing to remove open the pathway.

A seven-year struggle of residents of The Ivy, a residential complex with 156 apartments in Sushant Lok-1, to get an alternative and shorter pathway ended recently with the civic authorities removing an illegally erected wall.

Residents of The Ivy in Sushant Lok-1 stand in front of the gate that was opened after seven years of repeated pleas to authorities. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

The alternative gate to the condominium, which was as per the approved plan, was allegedly blocked by the residents of a nearby area in 2010 and a wall was erected in 2011 to which the residents had protested. The residents of nearby Block-A had also planted trees near the gate.

“Everybody thinks that they can do what they want without caring about their neighbours. We were forced to take a longer route until now. The gate was much needed as it is closer to the metro station and the Galleria market,” said Sudhir Singh, president, The Ivy residents’ welfare association.

According to residents, the approved road runs around the periphery of the newly constructed G-Tower of The Ivy. The road is a thoroughfare but it was obstructed by local residents.

“The stretch to which this gate opens is a major road that connects with the metro station, Centerpoint market complex and the Galleria market. Truth has prevailed and we got our right of way,” said Vijay Chopra, a resident of The Ivy.

“We repeatedly requested the builder to open the gate but all requests went unheeded. We were facing difficulties while moving out of the complex as the road connecting to the residential complex is congested and we had to take a longer route. We are thankful to the Gurgaon administration, especially the enforcement wing of town & country planning department, for opening the way that is rightfully ours,” Singh said.

Rajinder Sharma, district town planner (enforcement), said, “The action was taken after the residents’ grievances were found to be genuine. In future, too, we will take a decision as per the rules and regulations prescribed by the department.”

Anil Yadav, a resident of Block-A, said, “We do not the support the decision of the authorities as the gate in the service lane will lead to traffic congestion in the block and the residents will suffer. We will go to the court over this decision.”