Following a recent survey that identified illegal construction and unauthorized commercial activities at 4,183 properties in DLF Phases 1 to 5, the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court about the issuance of notices to property owners.

DTCP indicated that 1,138 notices had already been served to homeowners in DLF Phase 3, with additional notices to be issued soon. Property owners have until January 31 to revert to the approved building designs and cease all illegal commercial operations. Failure to comply would result in demolition and sealing actions by the department.

This initiative follows the discovery of widespread violations, particularly in the EWS category plots measuring 540 square feet, where 83 per cent of the breaches were detected. According to District Town Planner (Enforcement) Amit Madholia, most violations occurred in Phases 3 and 5. He explained that unauthorized constructions in Phase 3 extend up to seven or eight stories, with properties being used as illegal paying guest accommodations and guesthouses. Phase 5 has similarly seen an increase in commercial activities within residential zones.

DTCP presented these findings to the court on January 10, during a hearing of a petition filed by the DLF City RWA in 2020, which sought action against extensive unauthorized construction and misuse of residential spaces for commercial purposes.

Officials assured the court that measures were underway to address the violations, including the revocation of occupancy certificates for 81 properties in DLF Phase 5. Additionally, the management company, DLF, disconnected water and sewer connections to these properties. Despite these actions, officials noted that property owners continued with illegal constructions.

Between 2010 and 2024, the department conducted 44 demolition and sealing drives across the DLF phases. However, a senior DTCP official highlighted legal obstacles as a significant challenge, noting that property owners frequently seek court interventions post-demolition or sealing. Currently, 227 cases related to violations in DLF Phases 1 to 5 are pending in various courts, with 167 under court-ordered stay, slowing enforcement measures and enabling continued violations.

DTP Madholia confirmed that the enforcement wing aims to complete issuing show-cause notices and restoration directives by the end of the month. Progress reports have been submitted to the court, and the next hearing is scheduled for January 15.