NRI City homebuyers allege Noida authority issued OC for incomplete project

Homebuyers in NRI City housing society in Sector 45 on Tuesday demanded an investigation into the issuance of occupancy certificate for their complex.

They questioned how the Noida authority on May 31, 2016, had issued an occupancy certificate to the complex that is yet to have adequate facilities. Homebuyers alleged that the complex, which has nine towers, is yet to have fire systems in place, functional lifts, completed play zone, functional clubhouse or completed towers.

In a meeting among buyers, officials and the builder on Tuesday, buyers alleged that the builder — SDS Infratech private limited — has failed to provide basic facilities.

“This is the height of negligence. The Noida authority’s planning team has issued an occupancy certificate to a building that is yet to be finished completely. An OC is issued only if the builder has constructed the building and developed all required facilities that include obtaining a fire NOC, ensuring an operational sewage treatment plant and other promised facilities. We hope the authority will probe the issue and take necessary action,” said Trivendra Modi, a buyer.

Homebuyers said they have been living in a building that does not have an NOC from the fire and other departments. The builder had applied for an OC with the authority on April 21, 2014.

“The builder has charged an exorbitant amount for providing Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) connection and also overcharged us for providing a poor quality generator set. The builder is cheating us and has failed to deliver the flats on time. Even after one year of OC, we are suffering due to lack of basic amenities in our complex,” said Bharat Joshi, a homebuyer.

The Noida authority has decided to conduct an inspection to verify residents’ allegations at the building.

“I have directed the planning department to inspect the complex on Friday and submit a report. We want to know how an OC was issued if the basic facilities are not provided by the builder to residents,” said Shishir Singh, an additional chief executive officer of the Noida authority.

ACEO Shishir Singh directed the builder to put all project details online for homebuyers’ use.

“The builder has to deposit Rs57crore in land dues till 2020. I have asked the planning department team to check illegal construction against the sanctioned plan, if any, in the complex. I have directed the builder to address all issues, failing which we will take necessary legal action,” said Singh.

The authority in 2010 had allotted 38,000 square metres to SDS Infratech private limited. The authority sanctioned the layout plan on July 13, 2010, and revised the sanction on February 1, 2011. The builder had promised delivery of flats by 2013-14, but possession was offered in an incomplete project after a two-year delay, residents alleged.

The promoter of SDS Infratech private limited, Deepak Bansal, attended the meeting at Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra in Sector 6. “I have promised homebuyers of addressing all their issues soon — be it parking space crunch, power supply, fire systems issue or construction delay,” said Deepak Bansal, owner of SDS Infratech private limited.