News: Squatters eat up market areas, DTCP warns of action-14-09-2021
Gurgaon: The department of town and country planning (DTCP) has issued notices to Palam Vihar Vyapar Kendra RWA, Qutub Plaza and Central Arcade condominium associations directing them to remove encroachments from the market areas under their purview.
Acting on complaints, a team of the DTCP enforcement wing recently surveyed the three markets and noted heavy encroachment in common areas, including corridors, open space and parking lots. The department has now directed the market associations to remove the squatters and submit a compliance report within seven days, failing which strict action would be initiated against them.
District town planner (enforcement) RS Batth said, “Considering the safety of shoppers and shopkeepers, the association members, who are the maintaining and controlling agency, have been directed to look into the encroachment issue.” The associations have been asked to get all the corridors and common areas cleared to ensure free movement of people, especially during exigencies, he added.
During the survey, the DTCP allegedly found that the corridors had been reduced to small passages that could lead to untoward situations in case of accidents, including fire. “We will also write to the fire department to look into the matter and take action under relevant Act/rules,” Batth said.
Despite frequent drives against squatters, DLF-resident Aman Sharma said, the markets continued to be encroached upon leading to parking issues and congestion.
In June, the DTCP had also warned shopkeepers of fines and sealing if they extended their outlets or allowed others to set up vends illegally for money.
