The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) conducted one of its largest anti-encroachment operations in recent months in DLF-3, Gurgaon, on Thursday. The enforcement drive, led by District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia, lasted over seven hours, from around noon to 7:30 pm. DTCP cleared unauthorised structures from public roads and common spaces across 25 lanes and removed encroachments in front of nearly 900 houses in U Block.
Targeted Encroachments
Officials stated that the operation targeted a wide range of encroachments, including illegal ramps, staircases, extensions, iron grills, signboards, food counters, roadside kiosks, carts, stalls, iron poles, and raised platforms constructed on public land outside residential properties. Four teams were deployed simultaneously across the locality as part of an ongoing effort to reclaim public land and improve traffic movement in one of Gurgaon's most densely populated residential-commercial pockets.
Official Statement
"Public roads and common spaces are meant for the use of all citizens and cannot be appropriated for private purposes. The department is committed to ensuring that the area remains accessible and free from encroachments," Madholia said. Officials added that the drive in U Block will resume in phases until the entire locality is cleared.
Gradual Encroachment Over Years
According to the department, many roads and lanes witnessed gradual encroachment over the years, significantly reducing available road space and creating difficulties for pedestrians, residents, and emergency vehicles. During Thursday's exercise, teams demolished structures that extended onto public roads and restored access to several stretches that had become partially blocked.
Supervision and Teams
The drive was supervised by Madholia, while Assistant Town Planner Divya Dahiya and Junior Engineers Harshit Saluja, Akash Rao, Rajan Jha, and Gulshan Singh led the remaining teams. A large contingent of enforcement personnel remained deployed throughout the operation.
Concealment Attempts and Warnings
Officials noted that some occupants attempted to conceal temporary kiosks and other unauthorised structures to avoid action. However, inspection teams identified such encroachments and removed them during the drive. Property owners have also been issued a final warning to remove water storage tanks and similar installations placed on public land outside their premises. The department said it would undertake removal action if owners fail to comply within the stipulated time.
Background and Future Plans
The operation follows repeated complaints from local residents regarding increasing encroachments, chronic parking issues, and obstruction of roads. Police authorities also flagged concerns related to traffic congestion and law-and-order challenges arising from unauthorised occupation of public spaces in the area. Similar drives are planned in other blocks of DLF-3 after completion of the ongoing operation. The department has warned that any fresh encroachment or reoccupation of public land will invite strict enforcement action.
