Demolition drive clears illegal shops, shanties from key Sohna Road link in Gurgaon

Gurgaon: GMDA carried out a two-day demolition drive to clear encroachments along the dividing road between Sectors 46 and 51, freeing up a 1.6km stretch for traffic movement and planned infrastructure work.

The stretch serves as a key link to Sohna Road and witnesses heavy traffic through the day. It is frequently used by residents of nearby colonies, including Ardee City, Mayfield Garden and Nirvana Country.

The drive was led by RS Batth, DTP, GMDA and nodal officer (encroachment), with support from the authority’s enforcement wing. Around 20 police personnel and two JCB machines were deployed to ensure smooth removal of illegal structures.

Encroachments, mainly temporary shanties, had spread across nearly 800 metres on both sides of the road, narrowing the carriageway and affecting traffic flow. The illegal occupation also hindered planned infrastructure work and routine maintenance. Despite two prior notices and repeated site visits urging voluntary removal, the encroachments remained, prompting enforcement action, an official said.

Officials said the cleared stretch will now be taken up for planned development. “A green belt is proposed along the corridor, along with a service road to ease congestion and improve connectivity,” Batth said.

He added that the drive is part of an ongoing effort to reclaim public land. Similar actions have been carried out at Rajiv Chowk, Medicity Road and green belts in Sector 47. Authorities said action against illegal occupation will continue and reclaimed land will be put to planned use.