Gurgaon Authorities Launch Major Anti-Encroachment Operation
In one of the largest enforcement actions seen in the city, Gurgaon authorities mobilized eight simultaneous teams on Saturday to execute a comprehensive anti-encroachment drive. The operation targeted hundreds of illegal house extensions and structures violating the right of way, following the Punjab and Haryana High Court's stay on the stilt-plus-four-floor (S+4) building policy.
Zero-Tolerance Enforcement Across Multiple Colonies
The drive, described by officials as a "zero-tolerance, time-bound enforcement," commenced from DLF Phase 1 and expanded to South City 1, Palam Vihar, Sushant Lok, Rosewood City, Malibu Town, and Sohna Road sectors. District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia supervised all eight teams and personally led the demolition efforts in DLF Phase 1.
From early morning, bulldozers rolled through key areas including Bodhi Marg, Arjun Marg, Paschim Marg, C-15 Road, and stretches near Safal and Mother Dairy outlets. Officials reported clearing what they termed "years of accumulated encroachment" that had gradually narrowed public roads and compromised public spaces.
Widespread Demolition of Illegal Structures
The enforcement action resulted in significant clearance of unauthorized constructions:
- Approximately 70-75 guard rooms constructed as porta cabins or brick structures were demolished
- More than 120 houses saw complete removal of encroachments including temporary sheds, boundary extensions, lights, signage, and other fixtures
- Green belt encroachments outside over 80 houses were cleared
- Commercial violations were addressed with 6-8 illegal kiosks demolished in DLF 1 shopping complex
- Two permanent corner structures at Arjun Marg Chowk, allegedly built by private management, were razed
- Encroachments outside Safal and Mother Dairy outlets were entirely removed
Official Statements and Enforcement Philosophy
"This is not symbolic action — this is full-scale enforcement," Madholia stated during the operation. "We deliberately started from DLF 1 to send a clear signal. Whether it is a small extension or a permanent structure, if it falls within the right of way, it will be removed. There will be no exceptions."
He explained that authorities had previously appealed to residents to voluntarily remove encroachments. "Where that has not happened, teams are taking action. The objective is to restore original road width and ensure public space is not compromised. This drive will continue across all licensed colonies," Madholia emphasized.
Parallel Operations Across the City
While DLF Phase 1 witnessed the most visible action, seven other teams conducted simultaneous demolitions throughout Gurgaon:
- South City 1: 28 guard rooms, 20 illegal labour quarters and toilets, 12 unauthorized gates, and multiple shop extensions removed; park and green belt encroachments cleared at over 30 locations
- Palam Vihar: Over 100 illegal structures demolished including 24 guard rooms, 50 boundary wall encroachments, 60 fencing violations, 8 gates, 6 tin sheds, and 5 toilets built on road space
- Sushant Lok 3: 24 guard rooms, 5 barrier gates, and nearly 50 instances of green landscaping spilling onto roads cleared; ramps, steps, and boundary wall extensions demolished
- Rosewood City: 30-plus guard rooms, 40 ramps and steps, and close to 30 park encroachments removed
- Malibu Town: Guard rooms, barricading, DG sets, and ramps dismantled
- Suncity (Sector 54): Parking sheds, guard rooms, and over two dozen green area encroachments demolished
- RD City and adjoining areas: Porta cabins, shops, ramps, and fencing violations cleared
Resident Reactions and Judicial Pressure
The enforcement drive elicited mixed reactions from residents. Some welcomed the action as long overdue, with one DLF resident stating, "Roads had become unusable in many areas. This was necessary." Others questioned the sudden intensity, with a South City resident commenting, "Action is fine, but clearer notices should have been given."
The operation follows an April 16 directive issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Town and Country Planning) Anurag Aggarwal, mandating all agencies to clear encroachments from road right of way and submit compliance reports by April 22. A senior official indicated the state faces clear judicial pressure to act, stating, "This is not routine enforcement. The court has set the tone, and the administration is expected to deliver visible, time-bound results on the ground."
With the hard deadline of April 22 approaching and teams working simultaneously across zones, officials confirmed the drive will intensify further in the coming days as Gurgaon authorities work to restore public spaces and ensure proper road access throughout the city.
