The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal encroachments. This aggressive drive, launched recently, targeted unauthorised constructions and structures in some of the city’s busiest sectors, specifically along green belts, footpaths, and master roads. The action was taken after numerous complaints from residents about the growing problem of encroachments obstructing key city routes, especially in sectors 81 to 95.
The operation, led by senior officials from the GMDA’s Enforcement Wing, involved a significant mobilisation of resources, with 50 police personnel deployed to assist in the task. The focus was on the master dividing road between sectors 92 and 95, areas that have long been reported as hotspots for illegal encroachments. Among the structures that were demolished during the enforcement drive were 10 makeshift shanties, a restaurant, a dhaba, a kabadi shop, an illegal water tank, and a paved parking spot. In addition to these unauthorised structures, authorities found that some locals had even begun renting out temporary hutments along the roads. The GMDA has moved swiftly to dismantle these illegal setups, issuing firm instructions to prevent further establishment of vending carts and illegal encroachments in these areas. Landowners were present on-site during the operation and were given a brief window to remove household items and materials that had been unlawfully stored on government land.
The ongoing action is part of the GMDA’s broader mission to improve traffic flow and urban planning in Gurugram. The city has seen a sharp rise in unregulated construction, causing severe traffic bottlenecks and safety concerns, particularly in areas where green belts and pedestrian spaces are being compromised for commercial purposes. As part of its larger initiative, the GMDA had recently cleared over 60 acres of green belt land along the Southern Peripheral Road. This was done to ensure safer and more efficient traffic movement while also protecting the city’s much-needed green spaces. Commenting on the drive, an official from the GMDA Enforcement Wing assured the public that the operations would be ongoing, with strict actions taken based on complaints received through multiple channels, including the Chief Minister’s Window Portal. The official stated, “The GMDA Enforcement Wing is committed to clearing all encroachments and maintaining the city’s cleanliness. Every complaint, whether submitted online or through other public channels, will be treated with the utmost priority.”
The demolition of illegal encroachments is not only a matter of urban cleanliness but also one of safety and sustainability. Encroachments often block essential infrastructure and public amenities, hampering the movement of pedestrians and vehicles. Furthermore, temporary hutments and unauthorized commercial setups create unsanitary conditions and pose fire hazards in densely populated areas. By targeting these encroachments, the GMDA is also aiming to ensure that Gurugram’s public spaces are better utilised for green projects and civic needs, which are integral to building sustainable urban environments. The enforcement drive also signals a more proactive approach towards addressing the long-standing issues of unauthorised construction and encroachment, which have often been allowed to flourish without significant intervention. As the city expands rapidly, such measures are essential to managing its growth in an orderly, sustainable manner.
While residents have welcomed the efforts, some have expressed concerns over the immediate disruption caused by the demolitions. Many of the affected landowners have requested time to relocate their belongings, a request that the GMDA has accommodated within reasonable limits. However, the authorities have emphasised that these actions are necessary for the long-term development and safety of the city. The GMDA’s current enforcement drive is just one part of a broader strategy to combat illegal encroachments and maintain an organised, functional urban space in Gurugram. As the city continues to grow, such initiatives will be crucial to ensuring that it remains a safe, clean, and well-planned urban centre that serves the needs of its residents while adhering to sustainable practices.
