Thousands of commercial units at risk of being sealed by MCG

Gurugram: The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) is all set to act against the commercial units that have not paid the property taxes.

Action may be initiated by the municipal body after the deadline for the payment of the taxes came to an on July 31. To encourage the citizens to pay the taxes in large numbers, the MCG had given a rebate of 10 per cent. The carrot and stick policy adopted by the municipal body seems to have paid off as the number of taxpayers this season is likely to go up. As of now, the property tax collected amounts to Rs 110 crore.

A major challenge for the public agency is to check the growth of commercial structures in residential colonies.

Association of DLF Phase-2 has stated that there are over 159 houses which have allowed commercial activities in their premises. A notice was sent to one of the owners in Saraswati Kunj who was running a hotel in his house. The chaos and conflict that can break out with a delayed action was experienced last year in Beverly Park situated along the MG Road. The public agencies literally clashed with residents of Beverly Park who tried to prevent the demolition of commercial structures in their area.

DLF Phase-3 has a large number of PG houses and guest houses, owing to its proximity to various commercial areas like Cyber City and Golf Course Road. Most of these PGs are not licensed. These houses are built in an area of 150 to 200 square yards with more than five storeys. Further, most of the landowners in lieu of greater profit are taking in more tenants than required.

Even though notices by the Department of Town and Planning (DTP) have been sent to these landowners in the past, there has been no concrete action taken against them.