The citywide anti-encroachment drive of Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) in Gurgaon, which was scheduled to commence on Monday, has been deferred. The decision comes as the Punjab and Haryana High Court continues to hear a petition concerning the stilt-plus-four-floor construction policy — an issue closely linked to multiple encroachment cases.
Although the court on Monday refused to halt demolitions in the city, HSVP officials stated that the drive will begin only after receiving clear directions from the bench. A senior HSVP official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the postponement. “The drive has been put on hold as the matter is under consideration of the High Court. We are awaiting clear directions before initiating action,” the official said.
Phased Demolition Plan
The demolition action was to be carried out in a phased manner, similar to the exercise conducted by the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in private developer colonies. The drives aim to clear the right of way (RoW) by removing illegal extensions — including kitchen gardens, extended ramps, flower pots on public land, temporary kiosks, rehris, carts and other obstructions.
Appeal for Voluntary Removal
HSVP had earlier appealed to residents to voluntarily remove such structures, warning that bulldozer action would otherwise follow. The authority had prepared a detailed sector-wise schedule for the operation, citing the need to ensure smooth pedestrian movement, emergency access and road safety.
DTCP's Recent Drive
DTCP’s enforcement wing removed over 7,500 encroachments from more than 15 colonies during a five-day drive that concluded on April 22, following the High Court’s stay on the stilt-plus-four-floor policy and subsequent government directions to clear right-of-way violations.
The development underscores the legal complexities surrounding urban planning and encroachment management in Gurgaon, with authorities awaiting judicial clarity before proceeding with enforcement actions.
