Gurugram residents rise against ‘misuse’ of stilt-plus-four floor policy

Amidst ongoing pre-election protests over poor road conditions, Gurugram Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) are now up against illegal apartmentalisation in Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) sectors and builder colonies.

Targeting the incumbent BJP government for allowing builders to exploit the stilt-plus-four-floor housing policy, RWAs from various sectors and colonies have threatened to boycott the elections if political leaders do not either roll back or modify the policy. The protests were initiated by residents of Palam Vihar, who have highlighted how the stilt-plus-four houses in their locality are being misused to create multiple apartments, thus burdening the existing civic infrastructure.

Residents of C Block have pointed out that, despite their area having only a 9-m road, there are numerous new stilt constructions. They allege that these plots, which were supposed to be converted into four apartments, are being transformed into mini-societies with up to 16 apartments.

“In an attempt to appease developers and builders, the government implemented the stilt-plus-four-floor policy without enforcing strict regulations. These apartments are being built on roads much smaller than required. Unfortunately, this issue is not limited to just new constructions; in at least two sites in our area, there are 16 apartments being built on each plot. This will strain our sewage, power, water and parking infrastructure and leave us in a mess,” said Sandeep Lamba, President of the Palam Vihar C Block RWA, who led the protest.

Lamba also highlighted that despite repeated complaints to the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) about the ongoing construction of these apartments, no action has been taken.

“The illegal buildings are being granted valid electricity and sewage connections, and soon they will receive occupancy certificates. The unchecked permissions are leading to rampant misuse of the floors, impacting thousands in Gurugram, yet no leader is addressing the issue. Our vote seems to hold no value or accountability,” Lamba added.

The issue is not confined to Palam Vihar; it is prevalent in areas such as Sectors 17, 15, 31, 45, 57, 65 and 67.

“Illegal apartmentalisation is widespread in many stilt-plus-four properties. Instead of four families, these plots often house 16 families, increasing the population density in any sector by four times. The existing infrastructure cannot support this. Eventually, these spaces are misused as commercial properties or illegal guesthouses. There is no authority to check this. Essentially, the government has handed out pre-election favours to builders,” added Rakesh Jinsi, President of Sector 17 RWA.

‘16 apartments on a plot’

In an attempt to appease developers and builders, the government implemented the stilt-plus-four-floor policy without enforcing strict regulations. In two sites in our area, there are 16 apartments being built on each plot. This will strain our sewage, power, water and parking infrastructure. — Sandeep Lamba, President of the Palam Vihar C Block RWA