Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon(MCG) have planned to take help of satellite to keep a check on illegal constructions and encroachments, especially in restricted zones of the city.
Sudhir Chauhan, senior town planner of MCG, elaborating on the project, said that an app is being developed with the help of Haryana Space Application Center (HSAC) to do an online mapping of the city and to highlight important monuments, roads, localities.
Chauhan further stated, “Over the years, a large number of encroachments took place in some of the restricted zones like surroundings of the highly sensitive air force ammunition depot. Since digitalisation is promoted by Centre and state governments, we endorsed that to secure our city. This app will be directly connected to satellite and give actual pictures. It will help to monitor at the 3D level on illegal structures built in restricted areas.”
Unfortunately, houses have been built next to the boundary wall of the Airforce ammunition depot at sector 17 of Gurgaon. It is one of those places wherein 2006, Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the district administration to ensure 900 square meters as the secure zone.
As a result of rampant encroachment, Punjab and Haryana High Court had asked district administration to ensure 300 square meters as restricted zone lately.
Chauhan further said, “It was a classic case of encroachment in the restricted zone and the involvement of local law enforcement officials cannot be ruled out. They closed their eyes when those localities developed. This application will force officials to be accountable in case of any illegal structures being developed in their respective jurisdictions.” In Aravalli as well, Illegal constructions have taken place beyond permissible limit. MCG has areas like Ghata, Gwal Pahari, DLF phase 1, sectors 56 and 57, marble market near Sikardarpur and all along MG Road till Delhi border, where forbidden practices frequently take place for their own purposes.
For monitoring the app, high-tech control rooms are being constructed under the supervision of GDMA. Around, 32 employees will take care of it. It is one of its kind initiative of Haryana government and once it will become successful, it will be replicated in the entire state.
