A recent survey conducted by the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) and the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has revealed a staggering number of 7,000 illegal Paying Guest (PG) accommodations and guesthouses operating across the city. The report highlights severe violations of building bylaws, commercial use of residential properties, and a total lack of safety clearances.
The Survey Findings The comprehensive audit was triggered by repeated complaints from Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) regarding the strain on basic infrastructure.
-
Volume of Violations: Approximately 7,000 establishments were found to be running without the mandatory ‘Change of Land Use’ (CLU) certificates or registration with the local tourism and excise departments.
-
Infrastructure Strain: Most of these illegal PGs are operating in high-density residential areas like Sushant Lok, DLF Phases, and Sector 45-56, causing frequent power outages, sewage overflows, and acute parking shortages.
-
Safety Concerns: A majority of these buildings lack basic fire safety equipment and have multiple illegal floors added to accommodate more occupants, posing a significant risk to the lives of the thousands of students and corporate professionals staying there.
Administrative Crackdown Following the submission of the report, the Gurugram administration has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the owners of these establishments.
-
Notice Issuance: Notices are being served to property owners to either regularize their buildings by paying the requisite fees or shut down operations immediately.
-
Sealing Drive: The DTCP has warned that any establishment found operating without a valid license after the deadline will be sealed, and their electricity and water connections will be disconnected.
-
FIRs Against Violators: In cases where illegal construction has been found, the department is preparing to file FIRs against the owners for violating the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act.
Impact on Occupants The massive scale of the illegal PG industry in Gurugram has left many tenants in a state of uncertainty. While authorities are focusing on the owners, students and young professionals are worried about sudden evictions. The MCG is considering a new “registration portal” to streamline the process, allowing owners to apply for permits under specific guidelines that include mandatory fire NOCs and limited occupancy per room.
