Gurugram: Water, Sewer Connections to 81 Houses Snapped After OC Cancellation

GURUGRAM: Following the revocation of their occupation certificates by the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), the facility management of DLF 5 cut off the water and sewer connections to 81 homes on Wednesday. The impacted properties are 60-square-yard plots that fall under the economically weaker section (EWS) housing category.
These apartments were the scene of widespread unlawful building and commercial activities, according to DTCP. Many of these properties were turned into guesthouses and other paid lodgings, which put more strain on the region’s infrastructure and essential services.
“In all five phases, the infrastructure has been severely stretched by commercial usage and illegal building. We were forced to cut off the water and sewer connections for these 81 homes when DTCP revoked the OCs,” a DLF representative said. The operation was started last month by DTCP’s enforcement squad, which was led by Manish Yadav, a former District Town Planner Enforcement (DTPE).
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is presently considering a petition on the violations, and a hearing is set for January 10. A thorough survey report, an action-taken report, and a suggested road map for resolving the issue are all required of the authorities.

Residents protested in the meanwhile, claiming that the developer had harassed them by allegedly removing land for upscale constructions. As part of the protests, roadways close to the Summit Plaza Mall, which is still under construction, were closed and demonstrations were conducted.
Priti Mishra, a protester, even threatened to burn herself alive. “It is unlawful and improper for water and sewage connections to be removed. For the past 15 to 20 years, people have been residing here. Where are they going? These unlawful and unfair acts would not be tolerated,” Mishra declared.

Planning experts from the Department of Town and Country emphasized the need of addressing the negative effects that unpermitted building has on key services. They said that when letters were sent to plot owners requesting that they conduct corrective action, the activity was taken. They did not, however, provide a sufficient response.
“Action has been taken in response to the Punjab and Haryana high court’s directives and for breaking urban development regulations. We have responded to infractions in each of the five DLF stages. At the upcoming hearing, we will update the court on this topic,” stated Amit Madholia, district town planner for enforcement.

A DLF representative further stated that the action was being taken in response to DTCP detecting major breaches and unapproved development in the plots intended for EWS households.