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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bars, eateries operate from revoked SCOs in Gurugram Sec 29, despite violations
Despite multiple occupation certificates (OCs) being revoked over the past two years, bars, restaurants, and retail outlets continue to operate openly from shop-cum-office (SCO) properties in Gurugram's Sector-29—exposing lapses in enforcement by the excise department, fire safety authorities, and Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). Documents accessed by HT show that OCs for SCO Nos. 27, 28, and 53 were cancelled between 2021 and 2025 for a range of violations, including unauthorised basement use, illegal fourth-floor construction, and zoning infractions. In a January 18, 2022 order against SCO No. 28, Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) even directed disconnection of water and sewer lines and initiated proceedings to reclaim the premises. Yet, at least five bars continue to operate from these properties—some even from basements, which HSVP norms allow solely for storage. A major fast-food chain and other restaurants have also set up shop in spaces designated strictly for hotel use. 'The building codes clearly specify that basements in HSVP markets are to be used for storage only. Running bars or spas in these spaces is not just a violation—it's a safety risk,' said a senior HSVP official, speaking on condition of anonymity. What's raising eyebrows is that several of these establishments continue to hold valid liquor licences and pollution clearances. 'How is the excise department issuing fresh liquor permits when the very building's occupancy certificate has been revoked? Why is the Pollution Control Board giving operating consent for such places?' asked Rajeev Yadav, Supreme Court advocate and president of NGO Adhikaar – The Rights Path, who has filed multiple complaints to both state and central bodies. Adding to the chaos, the back lanes of the market are blocked, hawkers have overtaken the main parking area, and an animal-themed safari cart inexplicably roaming through the market, what was once envisioned as a premium leisure zone now teeters on the edge of chaos. Environmental violations are also rampant. Green belts around Leisure Valley Park—a designated buffer and public space—have been encroached upon with illegal concrete structures and boundary walls. Earlier inspections by district nodal officer RS Batth had flagged these, but no demolitions or follow-up actions have occurred, activists said. 'It's become a concrete carnival,' said Roma J Vinayak, an environmental activist. 'The unchecked commercial creep into green areas has gutted Gurugram's urban cooling systems. And for what? Basement bars?' Activist Vaishali Rana said, 'Sector-29 was once a model of planned urban space. Today, it's a chaotic maze of unauthorised constructions and blatant misuse of land. The silence of regulatory is choking Gurugram's ecological lungs.' Urban planners warn that the issue is no longer confined to Sector-29. The trend of converting office basements into nightlife hubs is spreading—especially along Golf Course Extension Road. One such property, run by a former international cricketer, operates a high-end pub in an SCO marked for office use. 'This open defiance of zoning norms by celebrity ventures sets a dangerous precedent,' said Yadav. The matter has now reached the Chief Minister's Flying Squad and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), prompting activists to demand action beyond toothless show-cause notices. Akansha Tanwar, regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), said, 'We will initiate inspections and take appropriate action against any violations.' Gulshan Kalra, deputy director (technical), Haryana Fire and Emergency Services, said the department would launch a detailed fire safety survey. 'Our mandate includes ensuring equipment is in place, but we'll also examine unauthorised activity.' Vaishali Singh, HSVP administrator, acknowledged the issue. 'The matter is under our notice. We have directed the estate officer concerned to check the premises. If violations are found, strict action will follow.'
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Time of India
No-vending zone: Illegal traders removed from Gurgaon's MG Road in joint operation
Gurgaon: The civic authorities on Tuesday launched a joint anti-encroachment drive on MG Road cracking down on illegal street vendors and unauthorised carts that have long hindered pedestrian movement and road safety along this key corridor. Two enforcement teams from GMDA and four teams from MCG, numbering around 30 staffers, were deployed to target areas near MG Metro Station, Heritage City, IFFCO Chowk and Beverly Park 1. Over 40 illegal carts were removed and vendors were instructed to cease operations. MG Road — which connects key commercial hubs, metro stations and residential complexes across a 2.5km stretch — is a no-vending zone and no carts or other vendors are allowed to operate on this stretch, according to the GMDA officials. The enforcement drive came after concerns were raised by residents and commuters regarding persistent encroachments despite the ongoing streetscaping efforts on MG Road, which is being carried out by the GMDA at a cost of Rs 11.3 crore. TOI reported on May 30 that encroached footpaths and cycle tracks undermined the purpose of the streetscaping project on MG Road. Nodal officer for encroachment and DTP at GMDA RS Batth said, "While the encroachments have been largely temporary, regular drives will continue to ensure MG Road remains free of illegal carts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pinga-Pinga e HBP? Tome isso 1x ao dia se tem mais de 40 anos Portal Saúde do Homem Clique aqui Undo We will also investigate reports of local mafias exploiting cart owners by charging fees for operating illegally. Such activities will not be tolerated." Meanwhile, residents have taken this development with a pinch of salt. "We have seen similar drives in the past, but within hours — not days — things go back to square one. While we do welcome the action, what we really need is a lasting solution that ensures pedestrian safety and restores the proper functionality of this road," said RWA president of Essel Towers Dr Rajeev Sinha. Earlier, GMDA CEO Shyamal Misra convened a meeting with senior officials, including MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya, to discuss challenges faced on MG Road, with a particular focus on illegal vending and encroachment. Subsequently, GMDA, in coordination with MCG and Gurgaon Traffic Police, carried out the joint operation.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rs 1.5k-cr govt land cleared of scrap godowns & sheds in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: A govt land — valued at Rs 1,500 crore — in Sector 21 was cleared on Tuesday. The anti-encroachment drive saw demolition of 20 scrap godowns and 30 tin-set rooms and huts using bulldozers. Originally acquired by Haryana Urban Development Authority (now HSVP) in the late 1970s, this area was meant for developing a sector. The team cleared about 15 acres of Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP)-owned land till evening. An HSVP official said the enforcement will continue on Wednesday, with a total of around 22 acres set to be cleared in the coming days. The official said, "Any future attempts to encroach will lead to FIRs and strict legal action." The drive saw heavy police deployment from Sector 22 police station. The enforcement was carried out in the presence of district nodal officer RS Batth along with a team of HSVP officials. Duty magistrate and SDE Surendra Babbar was also present. Soon after the operation began around noon, it faced resistance from locals and land claimants. Heated arguments broke out at the site, but Batth intervened, urging them to vacate peacefully. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fortaleça sua mente com Neurolin — Promoção imperdível: 15% OFF + 2 frascos grátis Corpo & Ciência Notícias Undo Over the years, this vacant land had turned into an illegal waste dumping and processing spot. Residents said some of the landowners rented out their plots to small-scale waste management firms for around Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000 per month. Last year, a major fire broke out, which took the fire department six hours to douse the flames. Batth said no structures can be built on land under litigation and asked the encroachers to remove their belongings before Wednesday's enforcement drive. "We won't tolerate any encroachment on govt land. We will follow the law, offer time to vacate, but will not hesitate to take strict action if needed," Batth said. According to an HSVP official, two days prior to the operation, public announcements were made in the area warning occupants to vacate the land. The drive was carried out as per orders from HSVP estate officer-I Rakesh Saini. In 2013, Punjab and Haryana high court ruled that only vacant plots could be acquired by the state govt. Those on which construction was carried out could not be acquired unless the land was needed for setting up essential public utilities such as roads, water and electricity infrastructure, the HC said. Haryana govt subsequently appealed against this decision and the case is pending before Supreme Court.
