Gurgaon: Over 7,600 extensions of houses that affected right of way (ROW) at licensed colonies in the city have been razed by the department of district town and country planning (DTCP) in five days. The action was carried out in compliance with govt directions issued on April 16, 2026.Officials said the drive covered 17 major licensed colonies. DLF 1 and 2 recorded the highest number of violations. Together, the two colonies accounted for more than 2,700 encroachments, underscoring the extent of unauthorised extensions in some of the city’s oldest and most premium residential areas.According to the data, DLF 1 recorded 1,393 violations, while DLF 2 had 1,384. Palam Vihar followed with more than 1,100 violations. Sushant Lok 3 reported 536 violations, South City 1 had 523, Ardee City and part of Sushant Lok-I together accounted for 434 cases, and Sushant Lok 2 recorded 290 violations.Urban planners associated with the operation said the widespread nature of these violations points to a long-standing pattern of gradual encroachment on public land, particularly along internal colony roads intended for free movement and emergency access.Fencing, ramps and guard rooms were among the most common violations. The largest category comprised fencing and extended ramps, steps and platforms. Guard rooms and cabins were also built on public land outside houses. Other frequent violations included boundary walls and gates extending into the right of way, hoardings, tin sheds, parking sheds and illegal commercial kiosks.In DLF 1 and 2 alone, more than 1,500 cases of fencing, ramps and platforms were recorded. Guard rooms accounted for over 450 cases across the two colonies. In Palam Vihar, the pattern differed, with large-scale encroachments involving boundary walls and gates in 220 cases, along with more than 1,100 instances of grilles and fencing, besides platforms and sheds built in front of houses.In Sushant Lok 2 and 3, ramps and boundary wall extensions emerged as major violations, along with encroachments on green areas and landscape zones. In Sushant Lok 3 alone, 174 cases of fencing and green area encroachment were recorded, indicating growing pressure on planned open spaces.Mid-sized and smaller colonies such as Rosewood City, Mayfield Gardens, Nirvana Country and Uppal Southend also reported a range of violations, though in lower numbers. These included porta cabins, storage units, temporary sheds, kiosks and footpath encroachments, often linked to commercial use of residential properties.In sectors 47 and 48, including Malibu Towne and Vipul World, officials removed metal barricading, illegal steps and ramps, reflecting a recurring trend of altering house fronts for private access.Officials said removal of encroachments has improved road usability, with around 216km of internal roads reclaimed across colonies. In many areas, residents had gradually extended private boundaries into public space, narrowing roads, blocking footpaths and restricting emergency access.“The objective is to restore original road width and ensure smooth movement within colonies. Encroachments not only inconvenience residents but also pose safety risks,” a senior official said.Alongside removal of encroachments, authorities have also initiated action against unauthorised use of stilt floors, which are often converted into commercial or residential spaces in violation of building norms. Officials said enforcement on this front will continue alongside the ongoing removal of illegal structures.Authorities said reclaimed spaces would be maintained in coordination with RWAs to prevent encroachments. They also warned that repeat violations would face stricter legal action.Urban experts said while enforcement drives are necessary, sustained monitoring and community participation will be essential for long-term compliance. “Encroachment is often gradual and normalised over time. Without consistent vigilance, the situation can revert,” an urban planner said.With this large-scale operation, the city has seen one of its most extensive efforts to reclaim public space within licensed colonies, though officials acknowledged that it marks the start of a longer enforcement cycle.
