Protests escalate in DLF Phase 5 Gurugram as residents resist utility disruptions

Chaos erupted in DLF Phase 5 as residents of 81 economically weaker section (EWS) quarters staged a protest after their sewerage and water connections were cut off. The situation escalated when one resident doused himself in kerosene, threatening self-immolation.

The affected units had their occupation certificates (OCs) revoked recently by the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) due to alleged illegal constructions and unauthorised commercial use. Residents alleged that the DTCP and DLF were targeting them to clear the ‘view’ for the builder’s upcoming luxury project, Summit.

A DLF official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, "This action is in compliance with DTCP orders. We have no role beyond that."

DTCP officials, however, clarified their stance, citing regulatory violations as the reason for the cancellations. "We conducted a survey across DLF areas from Phase 1 to 5 and issued notices to violators. Only after providing ample opportunities for compliance have we taken action," said DTP Gurugram.

The revoked OCs pertain to properties on lanes C-1, C-2, C-4, C-5, C-6 and C-7, originally designated as 60-sq yd EWS housing. Many of these properties had been expanded to five or six floors, breaching the permissible three or four floors, and were found to have 100% coverage in violation of zoning laws.

Additionally, DTCP wrote to the Wazirabad tehsildar to bar these properties from being registered or having gift deeds and rent agreements processed. The properties will now carry ‘red entries’ in official records, signifying regulatory breaches.

Residents have expressed outrage, questioning why the action is limited to DLF areas. "Why isn’t the entire city being scrutinised? These units have been here for over a decade. Now, suddenly, they’ve become objectionable because we block the view of a builder’s premium project. We are ready to lay down our lives to protect our homes," said one protester.

The enforcement wing of DTCP has identified around 7,500 houses in DLF Phases 1 to 5 that violate building codes, unauthorised commercial usage and structural changes. The survey, conducted over the past month, was ordered by the Punjab and Haryana High Court following a petition by a local Residents' Welfare Association (RWA).

The DTCP reiterated that EWS spaces cannot legally be converted into commercial units or multi-story residential buildings. Officials maintain that similar actions are underway across other areas to ensure compliance with building norms.