The Times of India                          27.02.2013

Hammer at Hauz Khas: Two buildings targeted by corporation

NEW DELHI: The South Delhi Municipal Corporation has started demolition and sealing drive against illegal construction in Hauz Khas Village. On Monday, the South corporation demolished illegal constructions in two buildings in the area.

According to officials, more action is likely against such illegally constructed buildings which have come up after February 2007.

In a story ('Hauz Khas village's growth a risky business') published on January 18, TOI had highlighted about the issue in this urbanized village. "The issue was discussed in various meetings. Though fresh construction is now allowed in urbanized villages, people are still adding floors illegally. This village is also close to ASI protected monuments and as per National Monument Authority rules, no construction activity can be done within 100m of the protected monuments,'' said a senior official.

Officials admitted that there are several buildings in the area which are violating the building by-laws. Recently, the South zone department of the South corproation had carried out a survey to identify such structures. Also, area MLA Kiran Walia had held a meeting with South corporation officials to discuss the issue of unauthorized construction and of restaurants running without license in the area.

According to DDA notification on January 17, 2011, it is mandatory to get building plan sanctioned in villages. But officials claim that no such building plan has been sanctioned in the last few years.