Slum on disputed land: ‘10 years on, no action yet’

GURUGRAM: Residents of Sector 23 have voiced their opposition against settlements on disputed land in their locality that came up at least 10 years ago. They allaged that no authority has taken the matter up and solved it in the last decade.

Colonel M S Yadav, a resident of Sector 23, said, "There are at least 15 huts, permanent and temporary, in the area, which was a Huda park but is now being claimed by one Bhup Singh. The disputed land lies near houses 3604, 3605, 3635, 3636, 373 and 374. The litigation over the area — Huda vs Bhup Singh (case no 18055) — has been going on in the high court since 2004. The case has not seen much progress as Huda has not prioritised it. Bhup Singh has rented out the dilapidated huts in unhygienic conditions to at least 50 families — daily wage labourers and rickshaw-pullers. The state of affairs in these huts is shocking. There are no toilets on the premises."

Narender Lakhra, another resident of Sector 23, said, "These people are living in unhygienic conditions. They end up fighting with each other and create ruckus, leaving residents of the sector feeling helpless." S D Sharma, another resident, said in the absence of proper toilets, residents of the settlements were using the surrounding vacant plots to relieve themselves. He added the conditions made girls and women of the slum susceptible to sexual harassment.

"We don't know when these people will be relocated. As long as they are here, authorities should employ a sanitary inspector to get first-hand report on hygiene in the area. They should also initiate action, as deemed fit, for cleaning the area immediately to prevent spread of diseases."

Another local, Mool Chand, said, "The authorities should issue a notice to the landlord to either construct toilets or vacate the premise as soon as possible." The residents have approached Huda many times and claim the authorities assured them each time of help, but then took no action in this regard. "Cleanliness has to be maintained in our area. We can't continue to live in this atmosphere," said Sharma.

Vivek Kalia, Huda estate officer, said, "Any slum which is illegal will be demolished. From this week, we will be conducting a demolition drive in various parts of the city. We will look into the problem of Sector 23 residents. I believe a case has been filed in the matter. After going through the facts, we'll take necessary action."

Colonel Yadav said, "The constructions should not be treated as slums. People here have erected proper shelters. This land should be vacated and maintained by Huda."

Bhup Singh, owner of the disputed land, said, "This area is my property, but Huda has claimed it too. I can't say more as the matter is in court. As far as people living there are concerned, it is not my responsibility to build toilets for them. I have not rented out my land to them. They are not paying me a single penny. Local residents are misguided. These people are occupying my land illegally and authorities should immediately remove them."