Illegal ramps, encroachments adding to Gurugram’s monsoon woes: MCG
Unauthorised ramps built over public roads and encroachments on green belts and footpaths are narrowing carriageways and contributing to waterlogging across Gurugram, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has said in a public notice, warning of stringent action against violators.
The notice said unauthorised ramps constructed or extended over public roads and streets had reduced the effective carriageway width, obstructed the smooth flow of traffic and, “in many instances”, caused waterlogging.
The warning comes days after the city received 97 mm of rainfall on August 7, flooding several arterial roads and low-lying areas and once again highlighting Gurugram’s drainage woes.
MCG and the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority have identified 155 waterlogging hotspots across the city this monsoon. Zone VI, comprising DLF colonies and adjoining sectors, have emerged as the worst affected with 30 sites, while 28 hotspots continue to persist in Old Gurugram despite repeated remedial measures. Sheetla Mata Road has also emerged as a fresh flashpoint this monsoon.
The two civic agencies together spend around Rs 450-500 crore annually on drainage-related works. However, residents and civic activists have questioned the effectiveness of the expenditure, citing persistent waterlogging at several locations.
Officials have separately attributed more than 70% of the identified hotspots to illegal stilt-plus-four and stilt-plus-five constructions, which block natural drainage channels and place additional pressure on stormwater infrastructure designed for lower-density development. The fresh notice identifies unauthorised ramps and encroachments as further “compounding” factors.
The MCG also flagged semi-permanent and temporary structures, including tin sheds, khokhas, kiosks and dhabas, erected on green belts, roadsides and other public land. Encroachments by street hawkers and vendors near busy markets and congested junctions were also cited as obstructing vehicular and pedestrian movement.
The Corporation said it would take “appropriate action” against unauthorised encroachments, constructions, occupations and obstructions, with enforcement costs recovered from the violators.
The notice was issued in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court in Loganathan v. State of Tamil Nadu case, directing civic bodies to take immediate action against unauthorised construction, illegal land-use change and related violations.
The MCG also targeted unauthorised land conversion and construction. Such violators have been directed to regularise their constructions or face stringent action.
