HC reserves order on petition seeking stay on S+4 floor policy in Gurugram
GURUGRAM
:
Punjab and Haryana high court
has reserved its order on a petition seeking a stay on construction of four floors with stealth parking — also called S+4 floor buildings — in the city's residential areas. The matter, which drew widespread attention due to its potential impact on urban infrastructure and the environment, was heard by the division bench led by the chief justice.
The petition was filed by Sunil Singh, a resident of Sushant Lok, who challenged the July 2024 notification issued by the department of town and country planning (DTCP) that permits the construction of four floors on residential plots. The petitioner also accused the govt of ignoring its responsibility to upgrade basic amenities like sewage, water supply and roads before implementing the policy.
Singh argued that this decision was taken without any assessment of existing infrastructure capacity or environmental impact.
During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel questioned the validity of the expert committee report that recommended allowing four floors.
The counsel also highlighted the lack of environmental assessment in the decision-making process. "This policy is not in the interest of the common residents but rather serves the interests of builders," he said, adding that the unchecked vertical expansion was disturbing the city's planned layout and livability.
He informed the court that while DTCP collected approximately Rs 1,100 crore through additional FAR and other development charges, no significant infrastructure improvement was made.
The court, on March 24, refused to grant interim relief. The petitioner then moved Supreme Court, which acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and directed HC to reconsider the matter. HC then held a detailed hearing on Thursday and Friday, after which it reserved its order on the interim relief last week.
The counsel pointed out that most of the residential colonies in the city had their service plans approved based on a population density of 13.5 persons per plot. However, the four-floor policy would increase the density to 18 persons, putting pressure on already stretched infrastructure.
Additionally, the July 2024 notification of the DTCP was also challenged during the hearing. In HC reserving the verdict, it will be crucial to determine whether the controversial four-floor policy will remain in effect or face suspension. The decision is awaited by residents, builders and planning authorities alike.
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