Slum clusters cleared from Jail Chowk

Gurgaon: A joint anti-encroachment drive by GMDA, HSVP and police on Wednesday cleared illegally developed slum clusters from government land around Jail Chowk following repeated complaints from residents and market associations over public nuisance, safety concerns and traffic disruptions.The operation reclaimed encroached HSVP land and removed illegal occupations from the GMDA road network in the area. During the drive, authorities also found that rain baseras (night shelters) developed by the MCG had been encroached upon and were being used to shelter cattle.Officials said the encroachments within the shelters were removed and MCG has been asked to relocate the facilities to a more suitable location so that they can serve their intended purpose of public welfare.The clearance is expected to improve traffic movement along Old Railway Road and Jail Road, officials said.The action followed sustained complaints from residents, who had raised concerns through representations and social media about the prolonged presence of the encroachments and the problems associated with them.According to officials, residents alleged that the area had become a hub of nuisance activities, including the open consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants. Some complainants also claimed that children from the settlement approached motorists seeking money on the pretext of minor accidents or injuries. Allegations of theft and robbery in the vicinity had further heightened concerns over safety and security, officials said.“The action undertaken was in response to persistent complaints received from citizens regarding the encroachments and the associated nuisance in the area. The illegal occupation of govt land had become a matter of serious concern for residents,” said RS Batth, nodal officer for encroachments and district town planner, GMDA.