Squatters eat up roads in Sector 21, MCG clueless since transfer

Gurgaon: Residents of Sector 21 have sought removal of encroachments and illegal structures from their internal sector roads, most of which have reduced to just a few meters, leading to congestion on other main roads in the area. Sector 21 is situated right next to Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road, and residents claim blockage of internal roads leading to it has left them cut off from NH-8 and newer parts of the city.
According to the residents, they have been demanding clear access to two 30m-wide sector roads which connect the sector to Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road. TOI found out that the roads have been narrowed down to 3 to 4 meters at some points and 10 meters at other. “When Sector 21 was planned by Huda some 30 years ago, there were five entry/exit roads connecting the sector with Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road. Till date, the two main sector roads have not been connected to Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road. Illegal buildings have been built on the road at many points. It leads to traffic congestion on the road leading to Krishna Chowk,” said Rakesh Barnal, a resident.
The handover of the area from Huda to MCG has brought no respite or hope to the residents. “Though earlier Huda didn’t take any action to clear the encroachment, MCG has expressed helplessness saying that it doesn’t have record of the area and a request has been forwarded to Huda. It seems sector transfer has made the situation worse, if not better, and will further delay the removal of encroachment,” said Col Omed Singh, president of Sector 21 RWA.
The residents said connectivity to Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road would help in easy movement from their sector to the main road and reduce traffic congestion on Krishna Chowk. “We can’t drive through narrow 3-4 meter wide roads occupied by unauthorised colonies. All the residents therefore take Krishna Chowk to reach Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road, which often leads to traffic congestion,” said Garima Bhatija, another resident.
When asked about the status of resident requests for removal of encroachment, an MCG official said some records may have been overlooked during the transfer. “It is possible a few records might not have been transferred to the corporation at that time. We will look into the matter and take steps as per the law as soon as possible,” said an engineer from MCG, requesting anonymity.
Connectivity to Old Delhi-Gurgaon road is crucial for the residents as it connects Sector 21 to National Highway 8 and New Gurgaon.
The residents have also raised the issue in the CM window.