4,125 file objections over Gurgaon ammunition depot restricted area

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 14

Making it clear that the restricted area under 300m from the ammunition depot under Air Force Station, Gurgaon, was required to be vacated as per orders dated March 29, 2016, the Gurgaon deputy commissioner on Tuesday told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that 4,125 people had filed objections.

He added all efforts would be made to hear and dispose of all objections within 10 months.

In his affidavit, IAS officer-cum-deputy commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh asserted compensation was required to be assessed in accordance with the provisions of The Works of Defence Act, 1903. He added a notice had already been issued after obtaining a report with regard to the list of structures.

In the notice, a month’s time — till May 15 — was granted to the residents falling within 300m to file their claims and objections.

The notice was updated on the district administration website, along with the list of properties and the survey conducted by the municipal corporation.

Thereafter, a second notice was issued on May 21 for extending the time for filing claims and objections.

The deputy commissioner added that an inquiry was required to be conducted on the basis of the valuation and also after affording opportunity of hearing to the objectors and giving them notice with regard to the measurements and valuation being conducted by the municipal corporation. Each of the 4,125 objectors was required to be served and to be heard personally.

Vinay Pratap Singh added that all the objectors would be classified in different categories and would accordingly be given notice for appearance and hearing.

“All efforts will be made to hear and dispose of all objections within 10 months and thereafter, the award will be passed without further delay and subject to release of compensation amount from the central government,” he added.

The Centre had, on a previous date of hearing, told the High Court that the restricted zone around Gurgaon Indian Air Force ammunition depot would be reduced from 900m to 300m only after the removal of all encroachments within a 300m area by the district administration.

As the case came up for resumed hearing before the Division Bench of Chief Justice Krishna Murari and Justice Arun Palli, Additional Solicitor-General of India Satya Pal Jain submitted the restricted zone around the IAF depot was 900m as of now.