Gurgaon's Extensive Anti-Encroachment Drive Wraps Up, Revealing Deep Resident Divisions
A significant five-day anti-encroachment operation in Gurgaon concluded on Wednesday, resulting in the clearance of roads, demolition of kiosks, and removal of boundary walls across several prominent colonies. This sweeping initiative, however, has laid bare a sharp divide among residents, with some applauding the reclaiming of public land and others criticizing the abrupt and uneven nature of the enforcement.
Widespread Demolitions Across Key Colonies
Teams from the town and country planning department executed demolitions in DLF Phase 1 and 2, along with multiple other licensed colonies, targeting encroachments on road rights of way, green belts, and public spaces. Officials have described this as one of the most extensive operations in recent months, covering nine colonies simultaneously on the final day. To date, more than 20 colonies have been impacted by the drive.
In DLF Phase 1, the action commenced from C Block, where 14 lanes were addressed, with measures taken at approximately 250 houses. Additionally, four illegal kiosks in the market area were dismantled. E Block saw six lanes cleared, with interventions in front of over 150 houses. Violations included extended boundary walls, gates, and other structures encroaching onto public land. Specific figures from the operation highlight:
- Around 50 extended walls and gates demolished
- Over 130 encroaching lawns, fences, and gardens cleared
- More than 30 guard rooms removed
- 30 ramps and staircases dismantled
E Block was noted for some of the most severe violations, with gates extending up to three feet onto the road.
Expansion to DLF Phase 2 and Other Areas
The drive subsequently progressed to DLF Phase 2, covering N Block, Gulmohar Marg, and P Block. In N and P blocks, six lanes each were cleared, affecting nearly 250 houses. Approximately 15 guard rooms were demolished, and more than 150 lawns and fences were removed. Parallel actions were conducted in South City-1, Greenwood City, Palam Vihar, Sushant Lok-1, Mayfield Garden, Nirvana Country, Uppal Southend, Rosewood City, and other localities. Notably, Palam Vihar experienced some of the largest clearances, with 600 fences, 650 ramps and platforms, and 450 boundary walls taken down. In South City-1 and Greenwood City, teams demolished 13 guard rooms, 15 advertisement boards, and 12 kiosks.
Mixed Reactions from Residents
Residents expressed varied opinions on the drive. Rajiv Mehra, a DLF Phase 2 resident, supported the initiative, stating, "Roads had kept shrinking because of unchecked extensions. Even emergency vehicles struggled to pass. This action was long overdue." Conversely, Neha Bansal from South City-1 advocated for a more careful approach, saying, "Encroachments should go, but many residents were not given enough time. Some of these structures are decades old and could have been dealt with more sensitively."
Sandeep Yadav from Palam Vihar offered a more critical perspective: "Why now, and why selectively? Authorities allowed these constructions for years. People spent money in good faith, and now everything is suddenly being demolished." Ankit Khurana, a DLF Phase 1 resident, struck a balanced view: "The action is necessary to reclaim public space, but enforcement must be uniform and communication better. It should not appear arbitrary."
Official Stance and Future Plans
District town planner Amit Madholia confirmed that a detailed report on the five-day exercise will be submitted to Chandigarh. He emphasized that the campaign is not concluding, with actions set to continue in remaining colonies and partially covered areas. A committee of junior engineers will monitor cleared sites to prevent re-encroachment. Madholia also urged residents to voluntarily remove violations, warning that any remaining encroachments will face immediate action without additional time granted on the spot.
