Approximately 100 residents of the Indiabulls Greens complex near Panvel staged a protest, demanding essential amenities promised by the developer. In 18 towering buildings with 3,200 flats, residents displayed placards with slogans against Indiabulls' management. Alleging non-compliance with agreements made during possession in 2017, residents paid Rs 2 lakh each for basic amenities like water supply, clubhouse, and indoor games. Threatening a criminal case for cheating, they gave the developer a week to address concerns. The Indiabulls Sangharsh Samiti initiated protests since May 2023, with residents expressing resolve to continue until basic amenities are provided. Tensions rise amid water issues and unfulfilled promises.
Approximately 100 residents from the Indiabulls Greens complex near Panvel gathered in protest on Sunday, demanding essential amenities from the developer. The residents, residing in the 18 buildings, each towering 40 stories high with a total of 3,200 flats, asserted that they would file a criminal case for cheating if their demands were not met promptly.
The demonstration, which unfolded at the Indiabulls Greens premises near Kon village, featured residents displaying placards with slogans such as "Indiabulls management ab hoshiyaar, nahi sahege atyachar" and "Lekar rahege Indiabulls se apna haq." The protest commenced at 10:30 am and concluded at 2 pm.
Rahul Sonawane, a resident who participated in the protest, revealed that they had paid Rs 2 lakh each for basic amenities as per the agreement made during the possession of their flats in 2017. These amenities included a permanent water supply, clubhouse, and indoor games facilities. Sonawane emphasized that if the developer failed to address their concerns within a week, the residents were prepared to file a criminal case for cheating.
Manoranjan Kar, a resident since 2017, recounted a previous case filed against the developer for delays in possession and the non-provision of basic amenities. Despite winning the case at the National Consumer Redressal Forum, the developer challenged it in the Delhi High Court, leading the residents to approach the Supreme Court.
Dinesh Sonawane, a resident for four years, disclosed that the water connection provided by the developer was temporary, a fact discovered through an RTI query. The residents demanded a permanent water connection and raised concerns about unfulfilled promises from the developer, including a clubhouse, school, hospital, and shopping mall.
The Indiabulls Sangharsh Samiti, formed by the residents, initiated protests on May 14, 2023, followed by subsequent demonstrations on October 8 and January 14, 2024. Advocate Anil Jadhav, also a resident, affirmed their commitment to the cause, stating, "We will continue our protest till we get basic amenities."
Tulsidas Chandane, a deputy engineer with the BMC and a resident of the complex, highlighted the persistent water problems faced by the residents. He expressed concerns about potential water shortages as occupancy increased and criticized the developer for providing contaminated water through tankers.
Chandane further revealed that the developer was charging for water tankers and disclosed the escalating water bill, currently standing at Rs 11 crore. Despite attempts to reach out to Indiabulls for comment, neither Santosh Gunjal nor Irfan Tole, responsible for administration work, responded.
As tensions escalate, the residents remain steadfast in their pursuit of basic rights, vowing to continue their protest until their demands are met.
This story was earlier published by Mid-Day.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
