3 hrs ago
Gurgaon PGs Face Renewed Scrutiny After Satya Niketan Hostel Collapse
Many paying-guest homes and guesthouses are operating in Gurgaon’s residential neighborhoods.
People are worried because a hostel collapse in Delhi killed seven people.
They fear a similar accident could happen if buildings are overcrowded or changed without permission.
A government survey found 453 such properties.
Officials sealed 18 establishments during enforcement drives.
The Haryana Human Rights Commission said these properties can create problems with water, electricity, sanitation and traffic.
It also warned that missing safety approvals and emergency exits can endanger people.
Authorities have been told to continue checking the properties and report their progress.
A survey identified 453 PGs and guesthouses operating in Gurgaon residential sectors.
Eighteen establishments were sealed in June, including 15 PGs and three guesthouses or hotels in DLF Phase III.
Residents warned that overcrowding, extra floors and unauthorised commercial use could create serious safety risks.
The Haryana Human Rights Commission said unregistered lodging can cause infrastructure strain, sanitation problems, congestion and dangers from missing safety clearances or emergency exits.
Authorities issued notices, identified additional unauthorised properties and were directed to submit further progress reports before an October 6 hearing.
- Who
- Gurgaon residents, the Haryana Human Rights Commission, HSVP, DTCP Haryana and other civic authorities are involved.
- What
- Authorities are investigating and taking enforcement action against unauthorised PGs and guesthouses in residential areas.
- Where
- Gurgaon, particularly DLF Phase III and other residential sectors and licensed colonies.
- When
- The survey and enforcement actions were reported through July; the commission’s next hearing is scheduled for October 6.
- Why
- The action follows concerns about unauthorised land-use changes, overcrowding, inadequate safety arrangements and the risk of a tragedy like the Satya Niketan hostel collapse.
Residents and safety advocates
Authorities and operators’ legal process
Urgency of enforcement
Residents and safety advocates
Residents and the Haryana Human Rights Commission say action should be accelerated because overcrowding, unauthorised construction and missing safety clearances could endanger lives.
Authorities and operators’ legal process
Authorities have initiated notices, sealing drives and follow-up reporting, while enforcement was also affected by a High Court stay that was later narrowed.
Extent of the problem
Residents and safety advocates
Residents say PGs and guesthouses remain widespread and that surveys often do not lead to sufficient enforcement.
Authorities and operators’ legal process
Officials report concrete action, including 18 sealed establishments, 50 additional notices and 218 permissions granted under the applicable 2021 policy.
Reported violations
Residents and safety advocates
Residents allege that some PGs lack commercial connections, land-use conversions or adequate safety arrangements.
Authorities and operators’ legal process
The Gurugram police said that, as of March, it had received no specific complaint about an illegally operated PG or guesthouse failing to meet prescribed safety standards.
Key facts
- Properties identified
- 453 PGs and guesthouses were identified in Gurgaon residential sectors.
- June enforcement
- Eighteen establishments were sealed in June.
- DLF Phase III action
- Fifteen PGs containing 476 rooms and three guesthouses or hotels containing 87 rooms were sealed between June 18-20 and July 3-4.
- HSVP jurisdiction
- Of the 453 identified establishments, 121 fell under Estate Officer-I and 332 under Estate Officer-II.
- Additional properties
- DTCP identified 50 unauthorised PGs and guesthouses in other licensed colonies and issued notices.
- Approved permissions
- Officials said 218 guesthouse permissions had been granted under Haryana’s 2021 policy within their statutory domain.
- Police complaints
- The Gurugram police report said no specific complaint about illegally operated PGs or guesthouses violating safety standards had been received as of March.
Quotes
Kusum Sharma
Suncity township resident discussing alleged unauthorised PGs
“Surveys are done to identify these, but enforcement does not go beyond that. As residents, we can only alert authorities. While those with illegal stilts have been given notices, the PGs have not been so far. They shouldn’t wait for a Satya Niketan like incident here”
indianexpress.com
“It can definitely happen anytime here as well, especially on smaller plots (in U Block) where residents have built extra floors and PGs. It is a total menace.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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