Gurgaon Authorities Launch Major Crackdown on Illegal Constructions in Palam Vihar
In a decisive move, the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Gurgaon has ordered the immediate sealing of numerous illegally constructed dwelling units in Palam Vihar. This enforcement action includes directives to disconnect electricity, water supply, and sewer connections to these properties, marking a significant escalation in efforts to curb building violations.
Court Directives Prompt Strict Compliance Measures
The crackdown follows a directive issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in May 2025, responding to a petition filed by residents of the area. The court had instructed authorities to examine the matter and pass a reasoned order within six weeks. Acting on a fresh representation submitted in July 2025 by residents, including members of the Palam Vihar Residents Welfare Association (RWA), the DTCP conducted hearings and reviewed violations reported in C2 Block of the colony.
Residents alleged that several plot owners in Palam Vihar, located in Sector 3, constructed multiple dwelling units—up to four per floor—far exceeding permissible norms under the Haryana Building Code, 2017. Officials noted that such constructions put additional strain on basic infrastructure and caused inconvenience to the neighbourhood.
Widespread Violations and Previous Enforcement Actions
A status report attached to the order lists over 10 properties where violations were identified, including excess floor area ratio (FAR) and multiple units built on single plots. FIRs were already registered in several cases between 2022 and 2024, while some buildings were previously sealed but were later de-sealed after undertakings by owners.
The department found that occupation certificates (OCs) were issued for some of these structures, raising serious questions about compliance and oversight. Authorities have now moved to tighten enforcement, with the order underscoring that while some action was initiated earlier, it was insufficient to curb violations on the ground.
Immediate Actions and Future Scrutiny
In its latest order, the district town planner (enforcement) has been directed to seal all illegal constructions and buildings with immediate effect. Additionally, authorities will request the sub-registrar to impose an embargo on sale deeds of such properties and coordinate with DHBVN and MCG to disconnect utilities.
The sub-registrar-cum-deputy commissioner has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the execution of illegal sale deeds involving multiple dwelling units and ensure that such registrations are not carried out in the future. The department has also recommended revocation of the occupation certificate for at least one identified property in C2 Block, indicating stricter scrutiny going forward.
Impact and Community Response
The move is expected to impact several property owners and tenants residing in these units, as enforcement agencies begin sealing drives and utility disconnections in the coming days. Residents' groups have welcomed the decision, calling it a necessary step to restore planned development norms in licensed colonies.
This enforcement action highlights ongoing challenges in urban planning and compliance in rapidly developing areas like Gurgaon, with authorities now prioritizing strict adherence to building codes to ensure sustainable infrastructure and neighbourhood harmony.
