22 structures demolished in drive against stilt-plus-four violations

In a drive against illegal constructions, as many as 22 residential structures were demolished by the civic authorities in the past 48 hours. Most of the targeted constructions are of the stilt-plus-four type, according to reports.

Covers only A small portion

As violations have persisted for years, the current action covers only a small portion, prompted by the petition

- Ajay Bahl, a social activist.

Were built in parking areas

• The demolished structures were built in areas designated for parking, a clear violation of the stilt-plus-four building regulations
• Last year, the civic body sealed 44 residential buildings on similar charges for using parking spaces improperly.

Although officials have not yet released the total number of violations of the government’s building bylaws, the current drive follows a PIL filed in the High Court in 2016, according to sources in the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF).

The action was taken against 22 illegally constructed structures in Sainik Colony, Sector 49, and more were likely to be demolished soon, said an official. He added that the civic body aims to take action against all such structures before the next court hearing, scheduled for next month.

The demolished structures were built in areas designated for parking, a clear violation of the stilt-plus-four building regulations. Last year, the civic body sealed 44 residential buildings on similar charges for using parking spaces improperly.

“As violations have persisted for years, the current action covers only a small portion, prompted by the petition,” said Ajay Bahl, a social activist. Bahl criticised the civic authorities for failing to launch a comprehensive drive, stating that violations are rampant in both private and government buildings. Parking areas have been converted for other uses, including offices, canteens, shops and storerooms. He estimated that Greenfield and the NIT zone may have over 2,000 such constructions. The authorities concerned are aware of the issue, based on surveys conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad and Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP).

Varun Sheokand, a local resident, pointed out that many buildings have violated the floor area ratio (FAR) and have four floors on plots smaller than 180 square yards, which is the minimum size allowed for stilt-plus-four-floor structures.

Satish Acharya, an MCF official, noted that while the demolition drive has begun in Sainik Colony, a more detailed survey of such violations is likely to follow.