Latest news with #AffordableHousingPolicy
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Gurugram's affordable housing projects face residents' ire as missing 24-metre road becomes symbol of deeper crisis
In Gurugram's affordable housing towers, the promise of modern living is giving way to frustration. Across several societies, residents are protesting against developers over unfulfilled promises, poor infrastructure, and unsafe conditions. The biggest flashpoint: the promised 24-metre-wide access roads that never materialised. With taxis refusing to enter, and elderly people and children struggling to step out safely, school-going children are among the worst affected. Gurugram real estate: Residents across multiple housing societies are protesting developers over promised 24-metre-wide access roads that never materialised.(Parvesh Sharma) From Signature Global City to ROF Alante and Pyramid Urban Homes, projects offered under Deen Dayal Jan Awas Yojana (DDJAY) and Haryana's Affordable Housing Policy, the story is the same: grand promises on paper, but broken on the ground. Residents allege that developers continue to sell dreams while ignoring realities, leaving families stranded in incomplete, unsafe projects. Despite repeated complaints, they say only empty assurances have followed. 'The builders made tall claims while selling flats, but where is the accountability? We put in our life's savings only to feel cheated,' said one resident. A battle for connectivity in Signature Global City In Sector-37D, the residents of Signature Global City Phase-1 are at the forefront of the protest. The project, launched in 2021, began offering possession in 2024. Of the 1,250 flats, nearly 150 families have already moved in. But instead of convenience, they are grappling with uncertainty. The residents claimed that the builder had promised four 24-metre-wide approach roads to ensure smooth connectivity to the Dwarka Expressway. Today, only a narrow 8-metre revenue road serves as the lifeline, and even that is in poor condition. Two of the proposed roads fall under the Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), while the others cut through agricultural land, rendering access impossible. 'During the sale, the builder claimed the society had direct connectivity through four wide roads. The reality is that elderly people and children cannot even step out safely. School-going children are suffering the most,' said a resident, requesting anonymity. Another resident said, 'When we asked about the 24-metre roads, the builder casually told us that three stretches are part of the 2031 Master Plan. How can a promise for 2031 be sold as a reality in 2021?' Beyond connectivity, residents allege a lack of basic safety, maintenance, and women-friendly facilities. Taxi services refuse to come to the area, leaving families stranded during emergencies. 'They sold it as 'Bang on Dwarka Expressway,' but without roads, what does it even mean?' a resident remarked. 'We are actively working to resolve the issues, including the 24-metre access road, but land acquisition remains a major challenge. Residents' problems are our topmost priority and will be resolved soon. We are in touch with the government agencies to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, we are in constant touch with residents and are trying to work out a viable solution,' said a representative of Signature Global. There was no response from DTCP regarding the issue. Reddit users have also taken the residents' infrastructure woes to online platforms. "At the time of launch, Signature Global had promised four 24-meter-wide access roads for proper connectivity to the society. Initially, the developer even constructed one such road to demonstrate commitment, but it was later blocked as the land belonged to a government agency and not the developer,' a Redditor said. 'Now, residents are left dependent on a single revenue road, which has deteriorated badly over the past year. It is filled with potholes, has a large drain on one side, agricultural fields on the other, poor lighting, and safety concerns," the Reddit post said. ROF Alante: Roadblocks and water woes The struggle is not confined to one project. At ROF Alante in Sector-108, residents are battling similar chaos. Built under the Haryana Affordable Housing Policy, the society comprises 728 flats, and possession has been handed over since January. Here, too, the promised 24-metre approach road remains incomplete. In July, locals allegedly dug up the road and erected tin sheets to block access, further escalating tensions. 'We don't even know who owns the land, the builder or the government. All we want is safe entry and exit. On top of that, we are facing a severe water crisis. How can families survive without a basic water supply?' a resident asked. Alok Srivastava, General Manager of Facilities at ROF told that the disputed stretch is a Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) revenue road. On August 8, MCG and police officials conducted a demarcation exercise, assuring residents that the road would be opened soon. 'We are committed to resolving the issue. The 24-metre approach road belongs to MCG, and work will begin soon at our expense. We don't want hostility between villagers and residents. Our priority is safety and smooth access. We have assured all the logistics support if needed to the MCG for the earliest action," Srivastava said. Also Read: Is Gurugram's luxury real estate boom sustainable? Experts weigh in on price and demand trends Residents question 'How was an Occupation Certificate (OC) granted without proper road access? On top of this, we are paying illegal maintenance charges, extra DG set costs, and ₹4,000 per month without any facilities. Schools have refused to provide transportation because of the unsafe approach road.' Pyramid Urban Homes: 'Affordable' but at what cost? In Sector-86, the residents of Pyramid Urban Homes-2 are facing challenges. Developed under the state's affordable housing scheme, the project was launched in 2015 and handed over in 2019. Nearly 800 families now live there, but affordability has come at a steep price. 'We bought homes under the affordable policy, but there is nothing affordable here. The builder is charging maintenance illegally, even though the policy prohibits it for the first five years,' said resident Ved Veer Singh. Also Read: Bandhwari landfill: Gurugram's expanding garbage mountain threatens real estate development, health and environment Others complained about the absence of CCTV cameras, parking facilities, and security systems. 'We are paying charges but not getting any facilities in return,' said Ajay Gautam, another resident. Queries have been sent to the developer. The story will be updated if a response is received. This is what legal experts have to say Legal experts said that the promoter of a project is responsible for providing all essential services, as per Section 11(4)(d) of the RERA Act, 2016, which clearly notes the responsibility to provide and maintain essential services until the project is handed over to the association of allottees. Also Read: PM Modi inaugurates Dwarka Expressway, UER-II: Impact on NCR housing, commercial and warehousing markets Advocate Himani Bhadauria, a RERA expert, said, 'A project cannot be deemed completed till all essential services are available. The completion and availability of such services are ascertained by the grant of occupancy or completion certificate by the competent authority. However, the grant of such certificates cannot be considered conclusive proof, given repeated instances of inadequate infrastructure in projects across Gurugram. The absence of essential services defeats the very essence of possession, as has been held by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in numerous cases.' Parvesh Sharma is a journalist with over 15 years of experience covering real estate, infrastructure, and a wide range of civic and developmental beats in Gurugram
Hi Dubai
20-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Launches Major Affordable Housing Initiative to Boost Urban Livability
Dubai has taken a major step toward inclusive urban living with the launch of a new wave of affordable housing projects, following an agreement signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, and Wasl Group signed the agreement to develop more than 17,000 residential units across six key areas, including Me'aisem 1, Al Twar 1, and Al Qusais Industrial Area 5. Spanning 1.46 million square metres, the projects aim to provide high-quality housing at affordable rents, targeting skilled professionals from both public and private sectors. The initiative aligns with directives from The Executive Council and supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Affordable Housing Policy. These efforts seek to create vibrant, inclusive communities with improved access to services, efficient connectivity, and reduced commuting times. 'This programme reflects our leadership's commitment to community well-being,' said HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA. 'It will help cut living costs, improve employee satisfaction, and support a more balanced urban lifestyle.' HE Marwan bin Ghalita of Dubai Municipality emphasized the initiative's role in strengthening Dubai's social fabric and enhancing quality of life, while HE Hesham Al Qassim of Wasl Group noted its contribution to sustainable, future-ready housing. The first phase of development will serve as a model for future projects aimed at optimising land use and meeting the diverse needs of Dubai's growing population. The programme also supports the UAE's broader goal of making 2025 the 'Year of Community.' News Source: Dubai Media Office
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
E-draw for 708 affordable flats will be held again in Gurugram
GURUGRAM : The department of town and country planning (DTCP) has scrapped the e-draw held on Jan 27 for the allotment of 708 flats under the affordable housing scheme in Sohna Sector 36. The decision to scrap the e-draw — announced through a public notice on Thursday (May 1) — came after alleged "technical discrepancies and regional bias" raised serious concerns over the fairness of the process. A four-member probe panel has already been set up after "technical glitches" hit the Aster Avenue-36 project being developed by 4S Developers Pvt Ltd. A senior DTCP official, who ordered a probe on Feb 13, said on Friday the allotments stand cancelled and a fresh draw will be conducted soon. "Instructions have been issued for a complete review and test run of the software to ensure future draws comply with policy norms," he said. According to the public notice issued by senior town planner Renuka Singh on May 1, the department cancelled the draw after discovering only 2,200 of the 51,586 valid applications were processed by the e-draw software due to a technical glitch. The flawed draw not only excluded a large number of applicants but also raised eyebrows when all 708 flats were allotted to residents of Sohna town alone. This allocation pattern violated the state's Affordable Housing Policy, 2013 which prioritises Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) beneficiaries but does not allow preference based on geographic location. Anamika, an applicant from Delhi, said, "It's unfair that all flats went to one town. The govt must ensure transparency." Arvind Kumar from the city echoed her concerns, saying, "Affordable housing should be inclusive. This issue must not be repeated." Following the controversy, a four-member committee was set up to investigate whether the irregularities stemmed from a technical malfunction, administrative oversight or deliberate bias. The panel, comprising senior officials from the town planning and IT departments, has been directed to examine the e-draw system and submit a report within 10 days. The project, under licence number 235 of 2023, originally received 52,033 applications, out of which 447 were disqualified due to incomplete documents. A DTCP official said, "Applicants who no longer wish to participate in the project can withdraw their applications through the portal ( and receive a full refund. The department assured that the fresh draw will include all 51,586 previously eligible applicants and the date will be announced shortly." The incident has sparked a debate on the need for greater oversight in Haryana's affordable housing allotment system.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tech glitch, regional bias: E-draw for 708 affordable flats will be held again in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: The department of town and country planning (DTCP) has scrapped the e-draw held on Jan 27 for the allotment of 708 flats under the affordable housing scheme in Sohna Sector 36. The decision to scrap the e-draw — announced through a public notice on Thursday (May 1) — came after alleged "technical discrepancies and regional bias" raised serious concerns over the fairness of the process. A four-member probe panel has already been set up after "technical glitches" hit the Aster Avenue-36 project being developed by 4S Developers Pvt Ltd. A senior DTCP official, who ordered a probe on Feb 13, said on Friday the allotments stand cancelled and a fresh draw will be conducted soon. "Instructions have been issued for a complete review and test run of the software to ensure future draws comply with policy norms," he said. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon According to the public notice issued by senior town planner Renuka Singh on May 1, the department cancelled the draw after discovering only 2,200 of the 51,586 valid applications were processed by the e-draw software due to a technical glitch. The flawed draw not only excluded a large number of applicants but also raised eyebrows when all 708 flats were allotted to residents of Sohna town alone. This allocation pattern violated the state's Affordable Housing Policy, 2013 which prioritises Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) beneficiaries but does not allow preference based on geographic location. Anamika, an applicant from Delhi, said, "It's unfair that all flats went to one town. The govt must ensure transparency." Arvind Kumar from the city echoed her concerns, saying, "Affordable housing should be inclusive. This issue must not be repeated." Following the controversy, a four-member committee was set up to investigate whether the irregularities stemmed from a technical malfunction, administrative oversight or deliberate bias. The panel, comprising senior officials from the town planning and IT departments, has been directed to examine the e-draw system and submit a report within 10 days. The project, under licence number 235 of 2023, originally received 52,033 applications, out of which 447 were disqualified due to incomplete documents. A DTCP official said, "Applicants who no longer wish to participate in the project can withdraw their applications through the portal ( and receive a full refund. The department assured that the fresh draw will include all 51,586 previously eligible applicants and the date will be announced shortly." The incident has sparked a debate on the need for greater oversight in Haryana's affordable housing allotment system.
Khaleej Times
15-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: New affordable housing project to serve residents across income levels, says top official
A housing project announced this week will see units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments offered at affordable rents in Dubai. These units will cater to the needs of residents across different income levels, a top official told Khaleej Times. Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed approved the allocation of 1.46 million square metres of land for the project. The first phase will develop six sites in Al Mueisim 1, Al Twar 1, Al Qusais Industrial 5, and Al Leyan 1. 'The project in its initial phase will provide more than 17,000 residential units with affordable rent prices for skilled professionals of various nationalities working in vital and strategic sectors across both the public and private sectors in Dubai,' Nasser Abu Shehab, head of Dubai Urban Planning Coordination Committee, told Khaleej Times. The first phase targets skilled professionals across: Dubai government departments Healthcare sector (nursing, medical support services, etc.) Education sector (teachers, administrators, etc.) Transportation sector Tourism and hospitality sector Telecommunications and technology sector Entertainment, culture, and creative arts sector The official did not reveal the average rents at which these units will be offered. 'Project details and prices will be identified in the next phase,' he said. In addition to 'high-quality residential spaces', the six developments will feature integrated community facilities and open spaces. Closer to workplaces The project is part of a wider Affordable Housing Policy that aims to foster vibrant and healthy communities and address housing needs. 'The policy caters to various segments of society, offering a range of housing options suitable for individuals across different income levels. Additionally, it will facilitate the development of new accommodations for workers closer to their workplaces, enhancing the quality of these facilities and ensuring the provision of adequate services for all segments of society. The policy also seeks to strengthen social cohesion and improve urban development,' said Abu Shehab. Overseen by the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning, the project will be implemented by multiple departments, including Dubai Land Department, Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, Dubai Civil Defence, and Dubai Real Estate Corporation. After reaching historic highs, rentals in Dubai are stablising. Rents are still expected to increase across the Emirate, although at a moderate pace of around 10 per cent. As reported by Khaleej Times, real estate experts have noted how several residents are opting to buy homes due to rising rents. Quoting Dubai Land Department data, Allsopp & Allsopp said Dubai recorded a 30 per cent drop in month-on-month rental renewals. Christopher Cina, director of Sales at Betterhomes, said the real estate platform has seen 'continued growth in buyer interest, particularly from residents moving from renting to owning, driven by historically high rents'. 'This shift also reflects a more long-term commitment to living in Dubai.'
