More than 4,000 houses in DLF phase 1-5 in Gurugram face action for illegal construction, commercial use

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that over 4,000 houses in Gurugram’s upscale DLF Phases 1-5 are under scrutiny for illegal construction and commercial activities. Notices have already been issued to violators, with homeowners given time until January 31 to rectify violations or face demolition and sealing.

Action plan for violators

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Major violations: Primarily in EWS plots; unauthorised 7-8 storey buildings in Phase 3

Past actions: 44 demolition drives, revocation of 81 occupation certificates in Phase 5

Upcoming steps: Show-cause notices and restoration orders to be completed in January itself

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According to the DTCP, 1,138 notices have been issued so far in DLF Phase 3 alone, with more to follow. A survey revealed rampant violations, especially in 540 sq ft EWS plots, where 83% of cases were reported.

District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia said, “In Phase 3, unauthorised construction extends up to seven or eight storeys, with properties being illegally used as PG accommodations and guesthouses. Similarly, Phase 5 has witnessed a surge in commercial activities within residential spaces.”

The crackdown follows a plea filed by the DLF City RWA in 2020, which highlighted large-scale unauthorised construction and misuse of residential properties. The high court’s single-judge Bench, led by Justice Sureshwar Thakur, is hearing the case.

In its January 10 submission, the DTCP outlined its progress and future steps to address the violations, assuring the court of stringent action. Officials revealed that 81 occupancy certificates (OCs) had been revoked in DLF Phase 5 and DLF management disconnected water and sewer connections to these properties.

“Despite these measures, illegal construction persists,” admitted an official. Between 2010 and 2024, the department conducted 44 demolition and sealing drives across all DLF phases.

Madholia confirmed that the department’s enforcement wing aimed to complete the issuance of show-cause notices and restoration orders this month. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 15.