The district administration has launched a crackdown on illegal guest houses in posh localities. The District Town Planning Department (DTP) on Sunday sealed six guest houses running from residential premises of Essel Tower complex.
The action came after the administration received complaints about illegal paying guests and guest houses being run from many such residential premises.
Earlier, DTP had served notices to 32 guest houses warning them to stop commercial activities.
During the raid, DTP (enforcement) officials found several foreign guests enjoying food and taking wine.
However, no woman was found. The city police last week busted a sex racket running from a guest house in DLF Phase-II and since then the residents of Essel Tower had got suspicious.
Of 26 remaining guest houses, some of them were vacated by the authorities. Other premises were found locked during the raid.
Members of the residents’ welfare association (RWA) also accompanied the DTP officials.
“Action will continue till we verify all the guest houses in the area,” said Kalyan Singh Sandhu, a DTP official.
When an official asked a Malaysian national about his stay in the guest house, he said, “I visit for business purpose and prefer to stay here.”
{{/usCountry}}When an official asked a Malaysian national about his stay in the guest house, he said, “I visit for business purpose and prefer to stay here.”
{{/usCountry}}The District Town Planning officials did not find a single property owner on the spot.
“It’s strange that we did not find any actual owner. Caretakers or managers are in-charge of these premises, which have been rented out to companies to operate for guest houses,” said Dilbag Singh, the district town planner (enforcement).
“We have been taking the issue with all the competent authorities. Residents have to face problems like excess load on power and water scarcity,” said Rajiv Lamba, president of the RWA.
According to the administration, though such activities are a boon for many outstation residents, but neighbours face problems like power fluctuation, water scarcity and above all shortage of parking space.