Gurgaon grapples with 298 unsanctioned colonies, Town Planners scrutinized

Over a span of seventeen years, a whopping 298 illegal colonies have mushroomed across Gurgaon, turning this situation into a menacing urban predicament. The outgrowth of these unauthorized residential areas is not limited to Gurgaon; regions including Badshapur, Sohna, Pataudi, Farrukhnagar, and Bhondsi have also been afflicted.

Government data reveals that these illicit colonies have not only spread but also entrenched themselves deeply, intensifying the challenge for administration. These unlawful establishments necessitate regular, resource-draining operations to execute their demolition, further burdening the government.

After directives from TL Satyaprakash, the Director-General in the department, a probe has been launched against 14 district town planners (DTPs) who served in Gurgaon during the evolution of these colonies. The town and country department has initiated the process of issuing show-cause notices to these officials for their failure to curb the proliferation of illegal colonies.

"The Director-General's directive has prompted us to initiate an inquiry against the officials who served during the time these illicit colonies flourished. Our records show that 14 DTPs (enforcement) were stationed in the district during these years," disclosed a high-ranking official in the department. The issuance of all the notices is expected to be completed by next week.

Since 2016, seven of the scrutinized DTPs have been elevated to higher positions such as senior and chief town planners. However, the increase in unlawful settlements raises questions about their effectiveness and enforcement.

The Haryana government, in an attempt to address the situation, has decided to sanction these colonies, subject to their compliance with specific criteria such as location, area, housing count, and the resident families.

However, most of the unauthorized colonies fail to meet the stipulated criteria, leading to the issuance of notices. The government had earlier stated that individuals building illegal houses would be held accountable for the demolition expenses, under Section 10 (3) of the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Area Act, 1975. Failure to pay within a specified timeframe would attract penalties.

To safeguard potential homebuyers and investors from fraudulent practices associated with these illegal colonies, the department has begun erecting warning signs at sites previously housing these colonies. Enhanced vigilance is also being maintained to deter the emergence of additional unauthorized colonies.

In conclusion, the alarming increase in illegal colonies has amplified the administrative burden on Gurgaon and surrounding regions. The ongoing probe into town planners serves as a stark reminder of the regulatory lapses and enforcement inadequacies plaguing the urban planning scenario. More comprehensive strategies, coupled with enhanced vigilance, will be pivotal in rectifying the situation and preventing further proliferation of unauthorized settlements.

Next (Rising tide of global urbanization to triple slum populations by 2050)

Gurgaon grapples with 298 unsanctioned colonies, Town Planners scrutinized

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