Delhi: In blame game between two authorities over civic amenities, residents of DDA flats suffer

However, when contacted, a civic body official told The Indian Express that the MCD has taken notice of the issue and will soon work out a solution.

There was no response from the DDA.

In a recent letter to the agencies, also marked to L-G V K Saxena, RWA of E1 society in Vasant Kunj, complained, “DDA stopped providing services in April 2023. Without any agency taking charge, the entire burden falls on the RWA, forcing us to spend lakhs monthly to maintain basic amenities… Despite being regular property tax-payers… we’re deprived of basic civic services”.

With no action despite the RWAs sending multiple letters to authorities over the years, the RWA has requested a moratorium on property taxes or a refund to compensate for the maintenance expenses.

RWA president L S Yadav detailed several issues, including waterlogging due to an incomplete drainage system, that plagued the residents. “The drain isn’t connected to a larger network. So, rainwater floods the society. We deployed six pumps, but water still seeps into basements. There is no proper fire safety, no electricity back-up, and faulty water supply causes seepage and wastage,” Yadav explained.

E2 RWA president Dilbag Singh Kataria, too, complained of similar issues.

For two years, DDA flat residents of Mayur Vihar Phase-3 have been celebrating Diwali in “darkness”. “Half of our 102 streetlights are non-functional. We face issues with road conditions, sewage, drainage, and encroachments. We’re tired of the blame-game,” said RWA member Rahul Thakur.

The society, with more than 5,000 residents, has 56 towers and 1,350 flats. “Since the (flat) allotment in 2010, there has been no maintenance, creating unsafe living conditions. We fear a major tragedy (awaits us) due to this negligence,” Thakur added.

Narela’s Lower Income Group (LIG) flats are also similarly affected. Allotted between 2014 and 2017, the flats were sold at Rs 52 lakh, despite the initial price of Rs 15 lakh. Yet, residents reel under poor sanitation and lack of basic services.

“There are no transport or medical facilities nearby, and residents are forced to hire private garbage collectors. We once had someone to sweep common areas, but that too has stopped. The condition of the flats is deteriorating rapidly,” former RWA president S Kumar said.