Slums under Delhi-Jaipur Expressway demolished

Gurugram, July 21

A major anti-encroachment drive was held today to free Delhi-Jaipur Expressway’s Rajiv Chowk of unauthorised structures.

The Enforcement Wing of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) jointly led the drive with officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Over the last few months, it was noticed that many jhuggis had emerged under the Rajiv Chowk flyover, not only causing a major hindrance to the smooth flow of traffic, but also impacting the aesthetics of the key intersection.

The matter was recently discussed with the district administration. The Environment Wing of the GMDA had requested police support to execute the drive.

GMDA District Town Planner (DTP) RS Batth was appointed the Duty Magistrate, and about 100 police personnel were deployed for the drive by the Gurugram DC.

In the presence of ACP Surender Kumar Phogaat and the police personnel, Batth carried out an inspection of the site on Friday, asking encroachers to remove their belongings within the next 24 hours.

The team reached the spot today and started the drive at 8.30 am. In about three hours, using three JCB machines, the area was cleared of the encroachments.

More than 100 jhuggis were cleared.

The encroachers initially shifted their whereabouts along the road. However, three tractors were on standby to ensure that they did not shift elsewhere.

The encroachers then attempted to move their belongings from the road, with a few requesting authorities to be allowed to clear the area by evening.

After the successful execution of the drive, the GMDA is set to start the fencing work today itself, and a about 500-m grill would be fixed in about 10 days. The development of the green cover of the area would also be taken up.

GMDA, NHAI and Traffic Police departments will also conduct regular checks in the area to prevent any further encroachment at the chowk.

“The GMDA CEO and the Gurugram DC have directed officials to clear the junction. We will keep conducting such demolition drives to clear the roads and green belts. Many residents requested us to look into such encroachments in New Gurugram, and we will take action in these sectors as well,” said Batth.