Vending machines set up near residential areas, residents warn of protests | Gurgaon News

GURGAON: Residents of DLF 1 have opposed the decision to install liquor vending machines near Khusboo Chowk, which will be located near their homes and green belts in the area. They have threatened to stage a massive protest if the decision is not withdrawn. The residents have also said that they will approach the court if the decision is not withdrawn.

The proposed site is adjacent to a forest area jointly developed by GMDA and a citizen organization, and next to the DLF-1 residential area.

Residents allege that allowing liquor sales in the area would disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and pose a threat to the safety of residents, especially women and children. To express their displeasure, residents have put up boards reading ‘No Wine Shop’ at the proposed location. The Haryana Shehari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) recently approved the location for liquor sales.

The RWA has written a letter to the Deputy Commissioner and the HSVP Manager, demanding that the permit for the liquor store location be revoked.

“We expect the authorities to realise the gravity of the situation and immediately cancel the allotment of the wine shop,” said Baljeet Singh, chairman of the Qutub Enclave RWA.

“We will not allow any liquor shop to operate here and are prepared to escalate this issue to the CM if necessary. Our opposition to commercialisation of this area remains steadfast,” said Baljeet Singh, president of Qutub Enclave RWA.

This is not the first time that commercial activities have been proposed for the area. A few years ago, a similar proposal was met with widespread protests from residents, resulting in the withdrawal of the allocation.

Despite assurances from officials, this is the fourth proposal of its kind, again sparking outrage among residents.

“Residents have been turning the area into a forest for years. A liquor store here would undo all the hard work,” said Ambica Sachdeva, a resident of Block E.

“The presence of a liquor shop would lead to littering, unhygienic conditions and public unrest in the area,” said Rahul Chandola, RWA chairman of Block H, DLF 1.

Meanwhile, HSVP administrator Renu Sogan was unavailable for comment on the matter.