Jagran Correspondent, Gurugram | More than 5,000 illegal constructions have sprung up in the restricted area of the Air Force's ammunition depot in the past five years in the restricted area of Gurugram, also known as Cyber City. Despite the Supreme Court's strict remarks and the High Court's clear orders, illegal construction continues within the 900-meter restricted area of the Air Force depot.
Illegal Constructions Underway In No-Construction Zone
The situation is such that many buildings have been constructed adjacent to the main wall of the ordnance depot. A 900-meter area around the ordnance depot is designated a no-construction zone. New construction and commercial activities are prohibited within this area. Despite this, continued construction in the restricted area is raising questions about security arrangements.
Concerns are also being raised that construction so close to the depot wall could impact surveillance and security in the sensitive area. The Air Force also kept writing frequent letters to the Municipal Corporation over the issue.
What Municipal Corporation Joint Commissioner Said
Municipal Corporation Joint Commissioner Jaiveer Yadav said that recently, illegal constructions in the Ordnance Depot area were demolished on a large scale. The enforcement team has been instructed to take strict action.
Last Tuesday, the apex court made strong comments on the functioning of the Haryana government regarding encroachment and illegal construction around the Gurugram Ordnance Depot.
A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, said that encroachment on such a large scale was impossible without the connivance of officials. The court also directed the central government to file an affidavit regarding the failure to issue a notification demarcating the 900-meter buffer zone.
Construction Did Not Stop Even After Sealing
According to a Municipal Corporation report, thousands of illegal buildings have been constructed in restricted areas over the past five years. The corporation's enforcement wing has indeed sealed some buildings, but in many cases, there are allegations that seals have been broken and new construction has begun. Questions are also being raised about the lack of strict legal action in cases of seal-breaking.
Construction Underway At More Than 190 Sites
According to the report, illegal construction is currently underway at more than 190 sites within the restricted area. New construction and illegal colonies are being developed in several areas, including Sheetla Colony, Dharam Colony, and Carterpuri Road. Commercial activities are also being conducted in residential buildings.
(With Sandeep Kumar's Inputs)