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Illegal commercial activity rampant in Gurugram's DLF colonies, developer requests enforcement

DLF areas in Gurugram have become hotspots for unauthorized commercial activities, including salons, gyms, grocery stores, clinics, and small restaurants. The developer has submitted a list of 742 illegal establishments in its licensed colonies - DLF 1 to 4 - to the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) and is urging action against the property owners involved.

These activities violate the norms established by the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975. The developer claims that the illegal operations are putting additional strain on civic infrastructure and causing difficulties for residents. A letter to the district town planner (enforcement) on March 29 detailed the unauthorized construction, commercial units, and other violations, noting that these have increased population density and jeopardized essential services such as water, sewer, electricity, and roads in DLF colonies.

The developer has received numerous complaints from resident welfare associations (RWAs) and individual residents about the challenges they face due to illegal construction and commercialization in residential areas. They have requested that the DCP take strict action against offenders to protect law-abiding residents and prevent potential disasters.

In response to the complaint, the enforcement wing of the department has formed a team led by the assistant town planner to conduct surveys and issue notices to violators. Manish Yadav, district town planner (enforcement), stated that if property owners fail to restore their buildings, their occupation certificates will be revoked, and a sealing drive will be executed. The department will also instruct the tehsildar not to approve the sale and purchase of such properties.

Commercial activities are generally prohibited in residential buildings, with a few non-nuisance exceptions allowed on ground floors, occupying no more than 25% of the area or 50 sqm, whichever is smaller. Non-nuisance professional activities are those conducted by individuals using their personal skills and intelligence.

The issue of illegal commercial activities in residential areas has been a long-standing problem in Gurugram. With the rapid urbanization and population growth, the demand for commercial spaces has significantly increased, leading to the conversion of residential properties into commercial establishments. This trend has resulted in an imbalance in the allocation of resources and a decline in the overall quality of life for residents.

The local government and enforcement agencies must collaborate to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to address this issue. This plan should include stricter monitoring of building permits, regular inspection of properties, and increased penalties for violators. Additionally, the government should also focus on improving infrastructure and public services to support the growing population and urbanization.

To combat this issue, the government should also consider rezoning certain areas to accommodate the demand for commercial spaces. This would require a thorough evaluation of the city's development plans and consultation with various stakeholders, including developers, residents, and urban planners. By creating designated commercial zones, the government can ensure that residential areas remain free from unauthorized commercial activities and maintain a high quality of life for residents.

In conclusion, illegal commercial activities in Gurugram's DLF colonies are causing strain on infrastructure and affecting residents' quality of life. The developer has requested enforcement action, and the department has formed a team to address the issue by conducting surveys and issuing notices to violators. To effectively address this issue, the local government, enforcement agencies, and stakeholders must collaborate to develop comprehensive solutions that include stricter monitoring, improved infrastructure, and rezoning plans to maintain the integrity of residential areas. 

 

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