Anti-encroachment drives to begin at Rajiv Chowk, Sadar Bazar in Gurugram
The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is set to launch strict anti-encroachment drives to clear two key areas — Rajiv Chowk and Sadar Bazar — where encroachment has become a major issue.
On Tuesday, the Enforcement Wing of GMDA, led by Deputy Town Planner RS Batth, along with officials from the NHAI and the local police, conducted an inspection of Rajiv Chowk and its surrounding areas. During the visit, it was observed that the ‘jhuggie’ (slums) that were previously removed in an earlier demolition drive had re-encroached on the area under the flyover, along Medicity Road and near the pedestrian underpass. This not only gave the area a shabby appearance but also disrupted traffic flow.
RS Batth stated, “We will take strict action and will not permit any encroachment at such a critical location. We have personally met with the illegal inhabitants who have encroached on the land and have asked them to vacate the area. If they do not comply, we will take further action.”
In a related development, encroachment issues at Sadar Bazar were also discussed in a recent meeting of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG). Following up on this, Batth, along with his team and the MCG Enforcement team, visited Sadar Bazar late on Tuesday evening for a thorough inspection that lasted over three hours. They requested shopkeepers to cooperate in maintaining a clean and organised bazar and informed ‘rehri’ (cart) owners, hawkers and roadside dwellers that they must remove their materials and belongings to avoid encroaching on public spaces.
The MCG Enforcement team also conducted videography and a drone survey to identify violators, with plans for regular monitoring. "In the first phase, we will remove unauthorised ‘rehris’ and vending carts from the roads and footpaths. Encroachment poses a safety and security risk, as it can block access for ambulances or fire brigades in emergencies. We have already spoken to the shopkeepers, asking them not to allow ‘rehris’ or illegal carts in front of their shops to avoid traffic congestion. Further action will be taken in 72 hours against those who violate the rules," Batth added.
