Gurgaon: The enforcement wing of the department of town and country planning (DTCP) on Thursday launched a large-scale restoration and enforcement drive against unauthorised constructions and commercial activities operating from residential premises in DLF-3.The operation — following the directions of Punjab and Haryana high court — commenced around noon from S-Block on Nathupur Road with support from the police and district administration. Officials said the action, led by district town planner (enforcement) Amit Madholia, marked the beginning of a wider enforcement campaign that would continue across DLF-1 to 5 against violations of building norms and unauthorised commercial use of residential properties.During the drive, enforcement teams sealed several establishments, including hotels, paying guest accommodations, offices, a hospital and a beauty parlour, while also demolishing illegal structures constructed in stilt parking and setback areas.Madholia said, “This action has begun from DLF-3 and will continue across DLF-1 to 5 against illegal constructions and activities being run in violation of regulations. Anyone obstructing govt action will face legal proceedings, including registration of FIRs.”Among the major actions taken was the sealing of Hotel Moonlight operating from Plot No Nathupur Road-5. An unauthorised hospital, The Medicity, functioning from Plot No Nathupur Road-45, was also sealed. Officials additionally sealed a commercial office operating from Plot No Nathupur Road-2.The largest action of the day was carried out at Amaltas Apartments, located at S-23/1, where a 48-room PG accommodation operating from a residential building was sealed. At S-24/1, authorities sealed a beauty parlour running in the basement and a 25-room PG facility operating on upper floors. Another PG establishment with 72 rooms spread across four floors at S-24/9 was also sealed.Enforcement teams also targeted unauthorised structural additions. At NR-38, illegal construction carried out by Pristine Care Clinic in the side setback area was removed using an earthmover. At S-23/5, an office built within the stilt parking area was demolished.Officials said the operation was significant because, for the first time in DLF-3, a backhoe loader was taken inside a stilt parking area to remove unauthorised construction. The move is expected to serve as a precedent for similar actions in the colony.At S-24/3, a drawing room constructed within the stilt floor and encroachments in the rear setback area were sealed. Six unauthorised servant quarters and a leisure room at S-24/4 were sealed, while five illegal servant quarters at S-24/5 were also locked by the department.Further action was taken at S-25/1, where a boutique operating from the stilt area was demolished and a shed built in the rear setback was removed using heavy machinery. Six unauthorised quarters on the stilt floor and three quarters on the terrace floor were sealed. Illegal entry ramps were also dismantled. At S-25/8, five servant quarters built in the setback area and an interior designer’s office operating from the stilt floor were sealed.DTCP also removed encroachments from right-of-way areas. Illegal grills installed in front of two plots were dismantled, while four guard rooms built on public land were demolished to restore access to public roads. Officials said the drive was part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with court orders and restore residential areas to their approved land use and building norms.Thursday’s operation triggered panic among residents across DLF phases, with many property owners scrambling to assess the status of their buildings. According to DTCP records, notices have been issued to 5,099 properties across DLF colonies for unauthorised construction, misuse of residential premises and other building norm violations.The enforcement drive follows a prolonged legal battle over unauthorised constructions and commercial activities in DLF colonies. The HC first directed authorities to initiate action in Feb 2025. However, SC stayed the proceedings in April 2025 before remanding the matter back to the HC in Nov the same year, directing it to hear all affected parties and pass fresh orders. After completing hearings, the HC in May 2026 again cleared the way for enforcement action. While hearings in a limited number of cases are still pending, the next date of hearing has been fixed for July 6.The sealing of a 48-room residential building being used as a PG accommodation led to protests from occupants and the property owner. Residents alleged they were asked to vacate immediately before the premises were sealed. Senior citizens were among those staying in the building. Similar scenes were witnessed at another PG accommodation housing female tenants, where occupants were required to vacate before the property was sealed.Meanwhile, several property owners have approached the district court seeking relief against the enforcement action. However, according to sources, courts have so far declined to grant interim protection in multiple cases filed over the past few days, allowing the department’s action to continue.
