Haryana: 22 structures demolished in drive against stilt-plus-four violations

Haryana: In a drive against illegal constructions, municipal corporation authorities demolished 22 residential structures in the last 48 hours. According to reports, most of the targeted constructions are of the stilt-plus-four type. Though the authorities are yet to release the total number of violations of the government’s building bylaws, according to sources in the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF), the current drive is being carried out following a PIL filed in the high court in 2016. An official said action was taken against 22 illegally constructed structures in Sainik Colony, Sector 49, and more are likely to be demolished soon. He said the municipal corporation aims to take action against all such structures before the next court hearing scheduled for next month. The demolished structures were built in areas designated for parking, which is a clear violation of the stilt-plus-four building regulations.

Last year, the municipal corporation had sealed 44 residential buildings on similar charges for improperly using parking spaces. “Since the violations have been going on for years, the current action covers only a small portion of the area because of the petition,” said social activist Ajay Bahl. Bahl criticised civic authorities for failing to launch a comprehensive drive, saying violations are rampant in both private and government buildings. Parking areas have been converted for other uses, including offices, canteens, shops and storerooms. He estimated that there could be over 2,000 such constructions in the greenfield and NIT zones. The authorities concerned are aware of the issue based on surveys conducted by the Faridabad Municipal Corporation and the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HSVP). Varun Sheokand, a local resident, said many buildings have violated the floor area ratio (FAR) and have four floors on plots smaller than 180 sq yards, the minimum size allowed for stilt-plus-four-floor structures. Satish Acharya, an MCF official, said the demolition drive has begun at the Sainik colony, but a more detailed survey of such violations is likely to be carried out.