Gurugram to have satellite-based app, to check encroachment
In a bid to show zero tolerance against encroachment and unauthorised construction in the Millennium City, the Gurugram district administration along with the Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and municipal body, have decided to set up an application, which take the help of a satelli
Published -
Feb 20, 2018 3:50 AM
In a bid to show zero tolerance against encroachment and unauthorised construction in the Millennium City, the Gurugram district administration along with the Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and municipal body, have decided to set up an application, which take the help of a satellite to keep an eye on it. “Having found back-to-back illegal constructions and encroachments over the last few years, this time, we have decided to develop an application, which is now in process. This application, with the help of the Haryana Space Application Center (HSAC), would conduct online mapping of Gurugram, including old and posh areas and mark important monuments, roads, residential areas and other structures, to be monitored 24×7 by a control room,” senior town planner, Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), Sudhir Chauhan said. “The MCG has witnessed illegal construction in some notified restricted areas, which include the ‘Air Force Ammunition Depot’ in Sector-17, where nearby over thousands of illegal houses were constructed”, Chauhan said. He added that in 2006, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the Gurugram district administration to ensure 900 sq metres as secure zone. Later, due to rampant encroachment, the court again directed the district administration to ensure 300 sq metres as restricted zone. “Earlier, we had video recorded this restricted zone. Now, this app connecting with satellite, will give actual pictures, including 3D and detect any illegal structures,” the officer said. “This app will be run from high-tech control rooms also be developed under the supervision of the GMDA at a cost of Rs three crores. 32 employees will take care of it. This app will be functional within the next couple of months,” Chauhan said. “There have been massive encroachments and illegal constructions in Gurugram, right under the nose of the administration which includes the Aravalli mountain range, Sohna, DLF Phase-1, Old Gurugram, Sikandarpur, Gwal Pahari and Marble Market at MG Road. “Some illegal practices also frequently take place, with the aim to acquire forest areas,” Rajesh Vats, a Gurugram-based environmentalist and nature lover said. If the pilot project proves successful in Gurugram, it will be run in other districts of Haryana, he added.
Tags : News/Views