Several plot owners in these two blocks have broken the rules by covering 100 percent of the available area, erecting six-seven-story buildings, and combining two or smaller plots of 60 to 120 square yards each to use the entire premises for commercial establishments such as offices, shops, and restaurants without first obtaining permits.

Following the event in Pataudi, many structures in DLF-3’s U and V blocks of Gurugram that contravene building codes have generated new worries about their structural soundness.

A few plot landlords in such two blocks have broken the rules by covering 100 percent of the available area, erecting six-seven-story buildings, and merging two or smaller plots of 60 to 120 square yards each to use the entire premises for business areas such as offices, shops, and restaurants without first obtaining permits.

RS Batth, the district town planner (enforcement), said the incident in Pataudi’s Khawaspur should serve as a wake-up call. “We recently sealed roughly 150 properties in the EWS (economically weaker section) category for illegal commercial operations and constructions. We are prepared to take stronger action against offenders by registering FIRs against them in light of the recent building collapse incident,” he said. Mr. Batth also stated that the department will remove all encroachments as soon as possible, as well as demolish any extra stories built in violation of construction codes.

The Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975, and the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Rules, 1976, govern the issuance of residential planned colony licenses.

“While approving the zoning plan, it is stated unequivocally that each EWS plot is limited to one dwelling unit. According to the guidelines, 66 percent ground coverage and 2.64-floor area ratio (FAR) are allowed,” Batth stated.

Residents claim that the amount of illegal paying guest lodgings and guest houses that have sprung up in recent years has made certain blocks of DLF-3 nearly “unlivable.” “These structures are not only dangerous, but they also add to the turmoil in the neighborhood. Such arrangements put a strain on existing resources and infrastructure, such as electricity and water supply, according to Deepak Arora, a DLF-3 resident.

According to another homeowner, about 80% of the homes in the residential area have been converted into guest houses and paying guest lodgings. “If something like what happened in Pataudi happens here, the number of people killed will be far higher,” he said. A group of residents recently formed a panel to monitor illegal development on plots designated for dwellings in the EWS category within DLF-3. The committee must create a database that includes a list of all EWS plots, ownership information, and any infractions discovered.

Source:- Indiatimes