Gurgaon: The ongoing crackdown on illegal construction and commercialisation of residential properties appears to be prompting around 100 property owners to take corrective action on their own.Owners in Sushant Lok-1 and 2, DLF phases 1, 2 and 3, Greenwood City, Vipul World and South City 1 are removing unauthorised structures from stilt areas fearing enforcement action.More than 100 owners have already shared photographs and videos with officials showing that they have cleared violations from their stilt areas, according to DTCP.“We are asking property owners to share photographs and videos. More than 40 owners have already submitted such evidence, which will be verified by the department,” city town planner (enforcement) Amit Madholia said, adding that the department of town and planning (DTCP) was encouraging property owners to remove violations voluntarily rather than wait for enforcement action.The submissions are being used by the department to track voluntary compliance, even as enforcement action continues against properties where violations remain.The voluntary removals are significant as they suggest that enforcement action is beginning to change behaviour even among property owners who have not yet faced demolition or sealing.However, the department’s verification will be crucial. A photograph showing a cleared area would need to be matched against the sanctioned building plan and the nature and extent of the original violation.Residents said the action had created a sense of urgency among property owners. “People had been taking the stilt area for granted, either converting it into rooms or using it for commercial purposes. Now, after seeing demolitions and sealing, owners are realising that they could be next,” said a resident of Sushant Lok-1.A DLF Phase 3 resident said the crackdown had also highlighted the importance of keeping stilt areas available for their intended purpose. “These areas are not just about parking. Keeping them open is important for movement and emergency access, particularly in colonies where buildings are already closely packed,” the resident said.Another resident said voluntary removal was welcome but needed to be followed by proper verification.“If someone has removed an illegal structure, that is a good thing, but the department should check whether the entire violation has actually been removed. Otherwise, owners may only make cosmetic changes,” the resident said.Stilt areas, meant primarily for parking, have in several cases been converted into rooms, offices, shops, kitchens and other commercial spaces. The crackdown has particularly intensified in DLF phases and Sushant Lok. In DLF Phase 3, enforcement teams recently sealed multiple properties where illegal construction and commercial activity were found.Officials have also found multi-storeyed buildings operating as PGs, including a seven-storey structure on Nathupur Road.In Sushant Lok-1, the department has identified widespread violations, including construction and commercial use of stilt areas. Recent enforcement action included demolition of a stilt structure comprising eight rooms, five toilets and a drawing room.With more than 100 owners already submitting visual proof, the next phase of the drive could therefore involve not only demolition and sealing, but also systematic verification of properties claiming to have restored their stilt areas.
