Moved from one jhuggi to another’: At Janta flats for slum dwellers in Noida, several complaints

After three rounds of draw of lots at different times, the latest one being in 2020, a total of 2,064 flats (1BHK) in Sector 122, built in 2012, were allotted to residents. Each flat costs Rs 5-7 lakh as per their size. Officials said in a joint survey by the Authority and district administration, they were found eligible for rehabilitation under the scheme. On March 10, Noida Authority CEO Ritu Maheshwari had directed officials to demolish the sealed jhuggis in sectors 4, 5 ,8, 9 and 10 (of those who have taken possession of flats) within a month i.e by April 10. As per a 2008-09 survey, there are more than 11,000 jhuggis in these areas.

Residents have also accused the Authority of not listening to their issues. Manjula Devi (65) took possession of the flat around seven months ago, only to find the bathroom has no door: “Hame ek jhuggi se nikal ka dusri jhuggi me daal diya gya hai (We have been moved from one jhuggi to another jhuggi). Every time we have a bath, the hall is filled with water. I have complained, but nobody listens.” Devi, who used to stay in a jhuggi in Sector 8, lives with her son, who drives an e-rickshaw. “We still have to pay our EMI… If I must spend additional money on this flat, what is the point?”

Residents also alleged the authority is forcing people to take possession at the earliest. “They are threatening that if we don’t, they will cancel the allotment,” claimed Harishchandra Chaudhary.

Dinesh Tiwari (62), another beneficiary of the scheme, said he is still living in the slum with a relative as basic amenities are not available at the flats: “There is no water or electricity connection, doors are broken and the surroundings are dusty.”

Considering grievances of residents, CEO Maheshwari in a recent meeting had directed officials that electricity-related work must be completed at the earliest in the Sector 122 flats.

When asked about the issues being faced by residents, Noida Authority’s Deputy General Manager (Civil) Shripal Bhati said: “First, allottees should take possession, then they can tell us what the problems are and we will fix everything in one go. We cannot give electricity connections before possession. After they take possession, we fix these issues one time. If such a problem arises later, the residents need to fix these themselves.”

Noida Authority’s Officer on Special Duty Avinash Tripathi said out of 2,064 beneficiaries, around 1,600 have taken possession and more than 400 are yet to do so. On rehabilitation of other slum residents, he said, “As of now, we are focusing on rehabilitating these 2,064 beneficiaries properly. Then we will make a plan for the others as well.”