Demolition of illegal houses near arms depot begins

In order to avert any mishaps due to construction of illegal structures that fall under 900-meter radius of the Ammunition Depot in Gurgaon, the district administration on Monday directed senior Municipal Corporation (MCG) officials and Gurgaon police to book owners of such under construction houses, including masons and labourers caught at the site.

The decision was taken by the deputy commissioner of Gurgaon, Shekhar Vidyarthi, to take strict steps to curb such illegal constructions under guidelines from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. ‘MCG and Gurgaon police have been directed to take legal action against the owners, masons and laborers and anyone else involved in construction of houses under the 900-meter radius restriction’, Vidyarthi said.

Last year in 2013, 200 illegally built structures were demolished during the anti encroachment drive by the MCG. Earlier, satellite imagery made by MCG of the area will be matched with the latest imagery and illegal constructions will be demolished.

Vidyarthi also added that the entire area of 900m is divided into 6 sectors. Each sector is headed by an executive engineer level officer. The sub district magistrates have also been directed to conduct surprise inspections, besides regular police patrols. ‘The teams should conduct inspections during night also and register cases against persons involved in such illegal activities. If any illegal construction is found, the concerned Inspection Team will be held responsible’, he added.

Wing Commander Anant Shukla, the chief administrative officer of the Air Force Station said that the people are not aware that the construction near the Ammunition Depot is dangerous for them and their families. ‘They should also refrain from constructing buildings in that area, which may prove hazardous. We also banned the use of crackers in that area during functions and marriage occasions that took place within 900-meter radius.

Meanwhile, Vikas Dhankhar, DCP, West Gurgaon who is heading the entire matter on the behalf of Gurgaon police told the Millennium Post that till now total 168 FIRs have been lodged in this regard. He said that vehicles found carrying construction material in this zone will be challaned and impounded.