Navyangan Phase-2 Housing Project Halted Midway: Citizens' Money at Risk

Pune: Lack of coordination between government departments often leads to problems for ordinary citizens, as has been seen in many cases. But what happens when over 350 citizens are affected? Who should be held accountable then?

In a legally approved housing project, middle-class citizens took loans five years ago to buy homes and have been paying their monthly installments ever since. However, due to the chaotic functioning of three departments—PMRDA, MahaRERA, and MSRDC—they are now left without homes and money, and are forced to go door to door seeking help.

Residents who purchased homes in the 'Navyangan Phase-2' project in Kasar Amboli village, Mulshi Taluka, are currently facing this ordeal. In 2019, they booked flats in this housing project, which had all necessary approvals from MahaRERA, PMRDA, and the Collector's N.A. The project was also approved under the PMAY scheme.

After 70% of the construction was completed, MSRDC suddenly realized that the project fell on the proposed Ring Road's route and informed PMRDA.

In response, PMRDA halted the construction in December 2020. As a result, the construction, which was 70% complete, suddenly stopped and has remained in the same condition for four years.

Ameya Bramhe, who bought a flat in this project, said, "Before starting the construction, the builder had informed the Public Works Department (PWD). Despite this, how did PMRDA grant permission for the construction?

And why did it take MSRDC so long to realize the issue after 70% of the construction was completed? This raises suspicion about whether it was due to a lack of coordination between the two departments or a deliberate mistake by the officials."

After MSRDC realized its mistake, they took a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from all flat owners to hand over the building, promising compensation.

However, now MSRDC is avoiding the compensation. "The bank has taken our money, the flats are on hold due to the stay order, MSRDC took the NOC but is not providing compensation. We are left with nothing. Who do we turn to for help?" said a frustrated resident.

Jayprabha John and Vinayak Bharam expressed their concerns, saying, "We haven't received possession of our homes, and we don't even know if we ever will. But for the past five years, the bank has been deducting the monthly installments from our salaries.

When we approached PMRDA, we were told that the project file was missing. We've tried seeking help from everyone, from the Chief Minister to the local ministers, MPs, and MLAs, but no one is willing to support us."

Many others, including Kumar Chikne, Anul Shelke, Rahul Dongre, Umesh Bansode, Atul Mane, Bhagyash Dev, Ganesh Debhe, Prasanna Puranik, and Sanjay Randive, have shared their grievances about being deceived.

Key Questions Raised by Citizens:

• Was MSRDC aware of the proposed Ring Road plan in 2015, and did they inform PMRDA?

• If informed, why did PMRDA grant permission for construction despite knowing the Ring Road would pass through this area?

• What action will be taken against the officials who approved the construction?

• How did the project file go missing from PMRDA?

• What action will be taken against negligent officials?

• Despite the stay order from PMRDA, why did MahaRERA continue to grant extensions for the project?

• Under which law did MSRDC take the NOC from us, promising compensation but failing to deliver it?

• Can MSRDC acquire land based on 'Index Two' in this manner?

• Has MSRDC prepared a Social Impact Assessment report for the Ring Road?