Gurgaon Demolition Drive Begins After HC Halts S+4 Policy, DLF-1 First Target

• Demolition drive to begin from DLF-1 with multiple enforcement teams
• High Court halts S+4 policy citing infrastructure and violation concerns
• Residents urged to remove encroachments before April 22 deadline

Gurgaon: Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed the implementation of the controversial stilt-plus-four-floor (S+4) policy. The Haryana government has now directed authorities to take immediate action against illegal constructions, encroachments, and misuse of residential spaces across licensed colonies, with DLF-1 identified as the first focus area.

The move comes amid growing concerns over infrastructure strain and widespread violations linked to the S+4 policy. While the court has not yet ruled on the legality of the policy, it has clearly restrained its implementation until further hearings, prompting the administration to act swiftly.

According to officials, the demolition drive will begin on Saturday, with eight dedicated teams deployed to carry out simultaneous operations across various parts of the city. The campaign will initially target DLF-1, a prominent residential colony, before expanding to other areas.

District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia has urged residents to voluntarily remove any illegal structures or encroachments to avoid forced demolition. The directive follows an order issued on April 16 by Anurag Aggarwal, Additional Chief Secretary of Town and Country Planning, mandating a time-bound clearance of all violations within the right of way.

Authorities have set a strict deadline of April 22 for compliance, after which enforcement teams will take action without exceptions. Officials emphasized that this is not a routine exercise but a court-driven initiative linked to ongoing public interest litigation, including the case of Sunil Singh vs State of Haryana.

On-ground violations have been reported as extensive and varied. Common encroachments include boundary wall extensions, fencing, potted plants occupying public spaces, temporary structures such as guard rooms, diesel generator setups, parking sheds, and even kiosks. In some instances, parts of public roads have reportedly been encroached upon for commercial use or rented out, further restricting movement and public access.

Another major concern flagged by the administration is the misuse of stilt floors, which are officially designated for parking but are often converted into residential or commercial spaces. Urban planners believe that such practices have significantly contributed to congestion and infrastructure overload, especially in densely populated colonies.

The government’s decision to act comes under clear judicial pressure. A senior official noted that the administration is expected to deliver visible results within a short time frame. “This is a direct response to the court’s observations. There is an expectation of strict, time-bound enforcement on the ground,” the official said.

The enforcement drive is expected to have a significant impact on Gurgaon’s urban landscape, particularly in areas where rapid vertical development under the S+4 framework has outpaced basic infrastructure such as roads, parking, and drainage systems.

However, the move has drawn mixed reactions from residents. While some have welcomed the crackdown, calling it long overdue, others have raised concerns about the suddenness of the action.

A resident of DLF-1 said the drive could finally address years of congestion caused by illegal extensions. “Roads have been narrowed due to encroachments. If authorities follow through seriously, it will improve daily life,” the resident noted.

On the other hand, some homeowners have expressed apprehension, arguing that many of these structures have existed for years, often with implicit approval from local authorities. They fear that abrupt demolitions without proper notice or rehabilitation measures could cause hardship.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes are now on how effectively the administration carries out the drive and whether it can balance strict enforcement with residents’ concerns. The coming days are likely to define the future course of urban regulation in Gurgaon.