GURUGRAM: There are only nine officials to prevent illegal construction encroachment and unauthorised commercial activities across 1,400sqkm area of Gurugram that falls under the jurisdiction of the department of town and country planning ( DTCP ).Officials claimed that the enforcement wing of DTCP not only needed more staff but also an additional district attorney — the post that has been lying vacant for seven years now, undermining the department’s fight against illegal activities.If sources are to be believed, the department is fighting at least 225 cases related to land disputes and various other issues, many of which are pending in the Supreme Court and the Punjab & Haryana high court.However, in the absence of an additional district attorney, general officials of the enforcement wing appear in court to represent the department. A senior DTCP official said despite the extra burden, they had been able to resolve 340 complaints in the past one year with 40 more still pending.“This is taking a toll on their enforcement responsibilities, which, in turn, is leading to mushrooming of illegal colonies and encroachments across the city,” said a senior official on condition of anonymity.As TOI reported on Saturday, as many as 2,300 property owners in various residential colonies — including Sushant Lok 1, 2 and 3, DLF 3 and 5 and South City 2 among others — have been issued notices in the past one year by the DTCP for flouting building norms.These buildings have either added extra floors or encroached upon road space, making it impossible for fire brigade personnel to reach the spot in case of a mishap.However, most of the serving officials are busy filing replies for ongoing court cases, documentation etc., leaving little time for enforcement duties. “Ideally, it is the duty of the additional district attorney to handle all legal issues,” said the official.He claimed after the formation of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), the work load on the enforcement wing had increased further.DTCP’s district town planner (enforcement) Ved Prakash told TOI apart from him, there were only five junior engineers and a planning assistant available in the department to carry out demolition and sealing drives. “We are only nine officials in total for enforcement across Gurugram district. We have written to the government many times, seeking more staff to carry out our work effectively. Nevertheless, we manage to hold 6-7 enforcement drives each month,” he said.“The senior authorities have been informed about the staff crunch and the increased work load. We have requested for filling up of the additional district attorney’s post on priority,” he maintained.

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