News: Squatters take over DLF & Sushant Lok 1 markets again, choke roads-24-08-2021
Gurgaon: Encroachments have once again started sprouting on roadsides and outside shops in several popular markets of the city, despite the authorities often carrying out drives against squatters. These encroachments are leading to parking problems and congestion in the markets, say shoppers.
After getting complaints from shoppers, the department of town and country planning (DTCP) plans to conduct checks in the key markets of the licenced colonies of DLF 1 & 2 and Sushant Lok 1 this week.
The markets under the scanner are Qutub Plaza and Shopping Mall, both in DLF 1, Central Arcade in DLF 2, and Vyapar Kendra in Sushant Lok 1. In June, the DTCP warned the city’s shopkeepers of fines and sealing if they extended their outlets or allowed others to set up shops for money.
District town planner (enforcement) RS Batth told TOI, “We have already warned the shopkeepers not to allow encroachments outside their outlets. This is not only making traffic movement difficult, but has also raised safety concerns in case of a fire.”
The major violations are in the form of extension of shops, display boards, and temporary vends. “These illegal vends, who pay to the authorised shop owners, leave little space for movement,” he said.
Even the service roads leading to these markets often get choked due to unauthorised shops and haphazardly parked vehicles, according to shoppers.
Neha Bhasin, a Sushant Lok resident, said that Vypar Kendra and Central Arcade are the worst affected by encroachments. “The shopkeepers and the temporary vendors have taken over the walkways. In case of a fire, there will be no space to exit for both shoppers and shopkeepers.”
In January this year, the DTCP launched a major anti-encroachment drive in these markets and removed makeshift vends and other encroachments. Also shopkeepers were warned to ensure that common areas, including staircases and corridors, are cleared of encroachments.
