Commercial structures continue to mushroom in Ggn residential areas

It seems there is a sizeable number of citizens from Gurugram who may not be taking lessons from the troubles faced by its counterparts in Delhi who continue to face the problem of sealing.

As the city urbanises rapidly, there are now constant complaints of commercial structures coming up in residential areas. The issue is not new and has been a constant challenge for residential colonies situated along the busy roads such as Golf Course road and MG road.

The lack of action by the public authorities, however, has resulted in violation of laws in other upcoming areas of the city.

Recently, a complaint was sent to the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) by the Resident Welfare Association of DLF Phase -2 has stated there are over 159 houses that allow commercial activities in their premises. In one of the actions initiated by the public agency, a notice was sent to one of the owners in Saraswati Kunj that was running a hotel in the house.

The chaos and conflict that can take place with a delayed action was experienced last year in Beverly Park situated along the MG road. The public agencies literally clashed with residents of Beverly Park who prevented the personnel to demolish the commercial structure in their area. In another posh area of DLF Phase-3, there are a large number of Paying Guest houses and guesthouses owing to its proximity to various commercial areas like Cyber City and Golf Course road. Most of these PG houses are not licensed. Most of the PGS in an area of 150 to 200 square yards built floors that are more than five storeys.

Further, most of the landowners in lieu of greater profit are taking in more tenants than required. Even though notices by the Department of Town and Planning (DTP) have been sent to these landowners in the past, there has been no concrete action taken against them.

It is important to note that the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram has set an ambitious target of collecting Rs 100 crores as property tax from the previous revenue target of Rs 15 crores. To get their dues, two wedding banquet halls were sealed by the public body. These commercial structures had a pending property tax dues of Rs 10.182 lakh and Rs32. 25 lakh.

The lack of action by the public authorities has resulted in violation of laws in other upcoming areas of the city