Gurgaon: The enforcement wing of the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) conducted a large-scale restoration and enforcement drive against unauthorised constructions and commercial activities operating from residential premises in DLF-3 on Thursday.
Operation Details
The operation, following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, began around noon from S-Block on Nathupur Road with support from the police and district administration. Officials stated that the action, led by District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia, marked the start of a broader enforcement campaign that will continue across DLF-1 to 5 against building norm violations and unauthorised commercial use of residential properties.
Sealed Establishments
During the drive, enforcement teams sealed several establishments, including hotels, paying guest accommodations, offices, a hospital, and a beauty parlour. They also demolished illegal structures constructed in stilt parking and setback areas.
Madholia said, “This action has begun from DLF-3 and will continue across DLF-1 to 5 against illegal constructions and activities run in violation of regulations. Anyone obstructing government action will face legal proceedings, including registration of FIRs.”
Major Actions
Among the significant actions was the sealing of Hotel Moonlight on Plot No Nathupur Road-5. An unauthorised hospital, The Medicity, operating from Plot No Nathupur Road-45, was also sealed. Additionally, a commercial office at Plot No Nathupur Road-2 was sealed.
The largest action occurred at Amaltas Apartments (S-23/1), where a 48-room PG accommodation in a residential building was sealed. At S-24/1, a beauty parlour in the basement and a 25-room PG facility on upper floors were sealed. Another PG establishment with 72 rooms across four floors at S-24/9 was also sealed.
Structural Violations
Enforcement teams targeted unauthorised structural additions. At NR-38, illegal construction by Pristine Care Clinic in the side setback area was removed using an earthmover. At S-23/5, an office built within the stilt parking area was demolished.
Officials noted the operation was significant because, for the first time in DLF-3, a backhoe loader was taken inside a stilt parking area to remove unauthorised construction. This move is expected to set a precedent for similar actions in the colony.
At S-24/3, a drawing room on the stilt floor and encroachments in the rear setback area were sealed. Six unauthorised servant quarters and a leisure room at S-24/4 were sealed, while five illegal servant quarters at S-24/5 were locked.
Further action at S-25/1 included demolition of a boutique operating from the stilt area and removal of a shed in the rear setback using heavy machinery. Six unauthorised quarters on the stilt floor and three on the terrace floor were sealed. Illegal entry ramps were dismantled. At S-25/8, five servant quarters in the setback area and an interior designer’s office on the stilt floor were sealed.
Encroachments Removed
DTCP also removed encroachments from right-of-way areas. Illegal grills in front of two plots were dismantled, and four guard rooms built on public land were demolished to restore access to public roads. Officials said the drive is part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with court orders and restore residential areas to approved land use and building norms.
Panic Among Residents
Thursday’s operation triggered panic among residents across DLF phases, with many property owners scrambling to assess their buildings. According to DTCP records, notices have been issued to 5,099 properties across DLF colonies for unauthorised construction, misuse of residential premises, and other building norm violations.
Legal Background
The enforcement drive follows a prolonged legal battle over unauthorised constructions in DLF colonies. The High Court first directed action in February 2025. However, the Supreme Court stayed proceedings in April 2025 before remanding the matter back to the High Court in November 2025, directing it to hear all affected parties and pass fresh orders. After completing hearings, the High Court in May 2026 again cleared the way for enforcement action. While hearings in a limited number of cases are still pending, the next date is fixed for July 6.
Protests and Relief
The sealing of a 48-room residential building used as PG accommodation led to protests from occupants and the property owner. Residents alleged they were asked to vacate immediately before sealing. Senior citizens were among those staying there. Similar scenes occurred at another PG housing female tenants, where occupants had to vacate before sealing.
Several property owners have approached the district court seeking relief, but sources say courts have so far declined interim protection in multiple cases, allowing the department’s action to continue.
