'Stilt+4' buildings, VIP areas under scanner for parking violations

After a sweeping drive to clear encroachments from Right of Way (ROW) areas, authorities in Gurugram are now preparing to shift focus to ‘stilt plus four’ residential buildings, including those in high-profile and VIP localities, to check widespread violations of building norms.

Officials from the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) said a comprehensive survey of all such buildings across the city will be carried out to identify illegal constructions, particularly in designated parking areas. The move follows clear directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has sought strict action against unauthorised constructions and encroachments.

DTCP Director Amit Madholia stated that all concerned agencies—including GMDA, Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), HSVP and HSIIDC—have been directed to submit detailed reports by May 1. These reports will include information on violations in stilt parking areas, unauthorised additional floors, and encroachments impacting civic infrastructure such as roads, sewerage and water supply systems.

“The focus will be on identifying buildings where parking spaces have been illegally converted or construction norms have been flouted. Notices will be issued to violators, and if they fail to restore the original structure, demolition action will follow,” an official said.

The crackdown comes after authorities recently removed encroachments even outside the residences of influential individuals, including retired officials and municipal councillors, signalling a no-exception approach. Officials indicated that the next phase will involve strict enforcement within residential plots, a move that could impact thousands of property owners.

The development has triggered concern among residents, particularly in densely populated sectors where ‘stilt+4’ constructions have mushroomed over the years, often with alleged violations of approved plans.

With the High Court monitoring the issue and the next hearing scheduled for May 4, officials are racing against time to compile data and demonstrate compliance, even as bulldozer action is expected to intensify in the coming days.