Protest against IAF depot may hit Gurgaon traffic today

The traffic movement on Gurgaon roads might go out of gear and office-goers might face a tough time reaching their work places on Monday as thousands of residents who are affected by the administration’s drive have threatened to a stage protest.

The traffic movement on Gurgaon roads might go out of gear and office-goers might face a tough time reaching their work places on Monday as thousands of residents who are affected by the administration’s drive have threatened to a stage protest.

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The protest is likely to have a spillover effect on the Gurgaon Expressway traffic as well.

The offensive might also disrupt marriage parties arranged in the banquet halls here.

The decision to block Atul Kataria roundabout and Bata Chowk — both leading to Old Delhi Road, MG Road and Gurgaon Expressway — was taken at a meeting of property owners whose buildings are likely to be razed as they come within the prohibited area near the IAF depot in the city.

It was also decided that more than a thousand people would assemble at 8am at Sheetla Mata Road and march towards these two roundabouts on Monday.

The district administration has announced to start demolition drive against 12,287 properties falling within restricted 1,000 yards (900 m) from the boundary of the IAF ammunition depot from Monday.

All property owners have been asked to either demolish their structures on their own or take out the belongings by Monday morning.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court had pulled up the district administration, municipal corporation and town planning department for turning a blind eye to the land grab and allowing structures to come up in the prohibited area.

The district administration that has been announcing and postponing the demolition drive due to pressure from various quarters is bound to act against illegal structures as it is also to file a reply in the same court on February 15.

It has also sought for heavy contingent of police force from the government.

Anil Rao, the president of Gurgaon Party Lawns Welfare Association (GPLWA), said, "The decision to demolish the properties within 900m on Monday was illegal as the court has not asked the administration to demolish structures. The court has simply pulled up the Haryana government for allowing such a large number of structures and has also decided to take action against them. The officials are trying to avert action against them," he added.

Dr VK Jain, chairman, Haryana Beopar Mandal, said the administration was going to act against the structures that it allowed during the last 15 years.

"We have spent our hard-earned money to buy properties here. The administration is trying to save their face," he added.

According to a survey conducted by the district administration, 12,287 structures in 2,323 acres and 20 colonies have sprung up in the area.

As per the Indian Air Force Act and Defence Property Rules, no construction is allowed within 1,000 yards from the boundary of an ammunition depot.