In a significant move to regulate access control within residential areas, the Gurgaon district administration has given its preliminary approval for the installation of manned boom barriers at specific locations in licensed colonies across the city. Simultaneously, it has issued a strict directive for the removal of all illegally installed gates and barriers obstructing internal roads.
Striking a Balance Between Security and Public Access
The decision, taken during a committee meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, seeks to address a growing conflict. It aims to balance the legitimate security concerns of residents with the necessity of ensuring unhindered public access and mobility for emergency services. Officials emphasized that the move is designed to curb the arbitrary gating of public roads while permitting regulated access where justified.
The district town planner (enforcement) informed the committee that five formal applications from various Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been received. These include proposals from Mayfield Garden for one location (based on an October 16 representation) and another for 27 locations (from a September 12 request). South City 1 has sought permission for five spots, DLF 1's F-17 Block for two locations, and a large-scale application from DLF 1-4 colonies for a total of 215 locations.
Crackdown on Unauthorized Obstructions
During detailed deliberations, officials highlighted the increasing number of complaints regarding illegal road blockages. These are primarily caused by iron gates installed by residents or groups without any official sanction. The committee was informed that many such gates remain unmanned, creating severe obstacles for vehicles, especially ambulances, fire tenders, and police cars, during emergencies and late at night.
Taking serious note of these safety hazards, the committee has mandated that all illegally installed iron gates or barriers not conforming to the 2014 policy must be demolished, uninstalled, or removed by the concerned RWAs. A 30-day window has been provided for submitting any representations to the office of the district town planner in Gurgaon.
Stringent Conditions for Final Approval
The in-principle approval for manned boom barriers is not an automatic green light. The administration has laid down specific conditions that RWAs must fulfill to obtain final permission. The key requirement is a public consultation process.
The concerned RWA must widely publicize the proposed locations of the boom barriers, along with any previously approved sites. This involves marking them clearly on the sanctioned layout plan and displaying these plans at prominent public places within the licensed colony area. The purpose is to invite objections and suggestions from residents and the general public over a 30-day period.
Compliance with these conditions will be verified by the district town planner (enforcement) and the relevant assistant commissioner of police. Only after their satisfaction will the final permission for installation be issued. The committee also decided that approved boom barriers must be strictly manned and operated, and can only be placed at locations marked in red on the approved layout plans submitted with the applications.
Clarifying the stance of a major developer, Nitya Mohan, Head of Facility Management and Security at DLF Utilities Ltd, stated, "We have no intention whatsoever of obstructing public roads." Mohan added that all proposed gates or boom barriers are planned and implemented in strict compliance with applicable laws, ensuring uninterrupted access for ambulances and all emergency services at all times.
The administration has also opened the floor for objections and suggestions from the general public and colony residents regarding this policy, reinforcing its commitment to a transparent and participatory decision-making process.
