GURUGRAM: Once an upscale residential area, Golf Course Road‘s DLF 1 has now transformed into a commercial hub with rampant zoning violations. A six-storey commercial building was illegally constructed on a residential plot and luxury car showrooms have opened in converted homes.
Now, buildings on more than 60 residential plots in A, B and F blocks are operating as commercial establishments, housing high-end salons, gyms and vehicle showrooms, blatantly defying building regulations.
While the department of town and country planning (DTCP) has initiated action against violators, the matter has also reached Punjab and Haryana high court. The town planner has also warned of sealing orders.
According to norms, residential plots are permitted a maximum of four floors with stilt parking, but many property owners have illegally extended their buildings to five stories. These unauthorised structures lack fire safety approvals, posing severe risks in case of emergencies. Neither fire safety clearances nor pollution control board’s approvals were obtained, putting lives at stake. The administration’s failure to curb these violations has only encouraged further illegal constructions.
The unchecked commercialisation has resulted in severe traffic congestion. Service roads are now choked with parked vehicles as customers and visitors to these illegal businesses leave their cars outside, blocking access for residents.
Homeowners in DLF 1 are struggling with daily jams and parking issues. A resident, speaking anonymously, said, “Our peaceful neighbourhood has turned into a chaotic commercial street. The authorities must intervene before the situation spirals out of control.”
Illegal conversion of residential plots into commercial spaces is also causing a major financial loss to the govt. Since these properties remain registered as residential, authorities are unable to collect commercial taxes, leading to significant revenue leakage.
DTCP has initiated action against multiple violators. A recently opened Maruti showroom in B Block was served a show-cause notice, along with ten other properties.
According to town planner Amit Madholia, “We have issued notices and if satisfactory replies are not received within seven days, sealing orders will follow and occupancy certificates will be cancelled.”
The issue has reached HC, where a petition challenging these illegal constructions is awaiting a verdict. The court has reserved its decision and authorities are preparing for large-scale demolitions and sealing operations once the legal process concludes. Over 4,000 notices were already issued across all phases of DLF as the administration intensified its crackdown.
With mounting legal challenges, worsening traffic conditions, and regulatory violations at their peak, the fate of these unauthorised commercial establishments now rests in the hands of the judiciary and enforcement agencies. Residents continue to demand urgent action, fearing that the situation will only deteriorate further if authorities fail to intervene decisively.
