News: Builders Need GMDA Approval for Footpaths, Manholes Covered-06-10-2026
Developers must follow prescribed norms and obtain prior approval from the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) before building footpaths, the authority directed on Tuesday.
The instruction came at a meeting on footpath improvement chaired by GMDA CEO PC Meena. A spokesperson said officials had flagged cases of builders covering manholes while laying footpaths, making them hard to locate and maintain.
Any footpath built by a developer within the right of way now needs GMDA clearance, and the engineer concerned must check the cross-section and its alignment with manholes so they stay identifiable and accessible. Meena said the aim is better coordination with a focus on pedestrian convenience and protection of trees and greenery.
Executive engineers were told to inspect footpaths in their areas and repair them without delay. Progress will be reviewed daily, with each reporting kilometres repaired and the next day’s target. Footpaths are to be repaired alongside road gullies, and manhole levels kept in line with adjoining roads and footpaths.
