Haryana's DTCP Cancels Occupancy Certificates for 58 Properties in Gurugram Over Illegal Floor Construction

As discussed on May, 30, 2024, The Haryana's Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) issued directions stating that illegally built fourth floors of houses constructed on residential plots may be demolished and their occupancy certificates cancelled. In latest development, Haryana's Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has taken stringent action against illegal construction activities in Gurugram.

The DTCP has announced the cancellation of occupancy certificates (OC) for 58 properties in Gurugram due to the unauthorized construction of fourth floors in violation of building regulations.

The DTCP identified these properties where owners had built fourth floors without obtaining approval for the building plan before February 23, 2023. This date marks the imposition of a ban on constructing fourth floors, following concerns raised by various stakeholders and directives from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Rajesh Kaushik, the district town planner of Gurugram, confirmed that the DTCP has issued restoration notices to the owners of these properties. These notices instruct the owners to take corrective action, failing which the illegally constructed fourth floors would face demolition. Additionally, notices have been served to 18 architects who facilitated the construction of these unauthorized floors.

The decision to cancel OCs comes after the DTCP headquarters in Chandigarh issued directives on May 3, 2024, stipulating that fourth floors constructed without proper permissions or completion of formalities before the specified date would not be allowed. Furthermore, the DTCP has recommended action against architects involved in facilitating these illegal constructions.

The cancellation of OCs has significant implications for the affected properties. It not only renders them unfit for occupation but also disrupts essential services such as water, sewage, and electricity connections. Moreover, the cancellation prevents owners from selling or purchasing these properties until the regulatory issues are resolved.

In response to these developments, Hitesh Sharma, senior town planner at the DTCP headquarters, emphasized that the matter is under deliberation at the state government level. The final decision on the recommendation of the expert committee regarding constructions on fourth floors is pending.

The enforcement of these measures underscores the authorities' commitment to upholding building regulations and ensuring compliance with legal requirements in urban development. It also serves as a warning to property owners and architects against flouting construction norms and regulations.

Moving forward, it is imperative for stakeholders to adhere to building regulations and obtain necessary approvals before undertaking construction activities. This will not only prevent legal complications but also contribute to sustainable and planned urban development in Gurugram and other urban centres across Haryana.

Image source- puravankara.com