DTCP cracks down on GRAP violations, imposes Rs 7 lakh in fines

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has taken strict action against property owners for violating the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) rules. A total of 16 properties in areas like Saraswati Kunj, South City 1, DLF 3, Garhi Harsaru, and Farrukhnagar have been issued challans and show-cause notices. The fines imposed through these challans have exceeded Rs 7 lakh. To address GRAP rule violations, duty magistrates, including the district town planner (planning) and three district town planners (enforcement), have been appointed on behalf of the deputy commissioner. The challans were issued between November 13 and 18, targeting ongoing licensed projects. Assistant Town Planner Anil Kumar explained that the violations included construction activities during a ban, transporting construction material without covering it, leaving it uncovered at sites, and neglecting water sprinkling. According to Anil Kumar, property owners are not only issued challans but also served show-cause notices if construction work is detected and building materials are found uncovered. In the previous week (November 6-11), DTCP had issued 10 challans with fines totaling around Rs 2.5 lakh. Manish Yadav, District Town Planner (Enforcement), emphasised that the enforcement team is consistently inspecting project sites, issuing challans, and recovering penalties. Notices are sent to the DTP (Planning) office for timely recovery of challan amounts before issuing Occupancy Certificates to houses in the licensed colony. To streamline the reporting of GRAP violations, the department introduced a helpline number (9667143648) for residents to file complaints. Upon receiving a complaint, the department conducts inspections and takes appropriate action.