‘Right to walk’: RWAs demand action against VIP pavement encroachments

With over 70% of pavements in Gurugram's residential areas reportedly encroached upon, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) across the city have raised their voices, demanding their “right to walk.” So far, around 15 RWAs have flagged the issue of blocked pavements, calling for urgent intervention.

Three notices issued, but no action so far

Sector residents have repeatedly raised concerns about encroachments by political figures like Naveen Goyal, who resides in the area. Though HSVP has issued him three notices, no action has been taken so far, prompting locals to seek help from the anti-encroachment team.

Taking the lead, the Sector 17 RWA has filed a complaint with the newly constituted Anti-Encroachment Special Team, seeking decongestion and restoration of pavements, which they allege have been illegally occupied by certain ‘VIP’ residents.

In its complaint, filed nearly a month ago, the RWA has detailed how several residents have absorbed public pavements into their private properties to create illegal parking bays, gardens, garages, scrap yards, and spaces for generators.

The RWA has demanded that the civic body take strong action, similar to the recent anti-encroachment drives conducted in HSVP (Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran) markets.

“The new unit was set up to make Gurugram encroachment-free. While they are doing a commendable job in commercial areas, no one has spared a thought for the residential sectors. We are facing the worst kind of encroachments. There is no safe space left to walk. Many so-called VIP residents have taken over pavements for their luxuries, forcing others— especially senior citizens — to walk on the roads. Several accidents have already happened,” said Sector 17 RWA president Rakesh Jinsi.

The RWA has submitted a list of about 25 key encroachment spots. Among those named is political leader Naveen Goyal, who allegedly converted the public pavement outside his home into a personal luxury parking space. Another resident, it is alleged, has turned the pavement into a dumping ground for old, scrapped cars.

RS Batth, the nodal officer of the anti-encroachment unit, said, “We have zero tolerance for any form of encroachment. We will look into the complaint and act accordingly. No one is allowed to encroach upon public property — be it parks, green belts, or pavements — even if it’s right next to their house.”