Latest news with #RWAs
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
RWA, developer clash over safety audits, fees at Gurgaon housing complex where LKG student drowned in pool
Residents of a housing society in Gurgaon's Sector 37D have alleged that the builder has not conducted promised safety audits after the drowning of a five-year-old boy in a swimming pool last year. The BPTP Spacio Residents Welfare Association (RWA) also raised concerns over high maintenance fees and a lack of clear spending breakdowns, as well as inadequate infrastructure, including sewer connections. It said it has complained with various governmental bodies regarding financial improprieties against the builder BPTP. In response, BPTP's maintenance services wing, BPMS, denied the allegations, stating that safety measures are in place and that its fees are among the lowest in the area. It claimed that the current management of the clubhouse and pool falls under Godrej Living and said that all necessary reports have been shared with the RWA. 'The developer's attitude has been nothing but dictatorial,' said Surender Kumar Garg, 54, vice-president of BPTP Spacio RWA. Spacio is among the three BPTP residential projects in Gurgaon's Sector 37D with a common clubhouse in a 43-acre residential complex of 1,300 flats that also includes BPTP's Park Serene and Park Generations. LKG student Mevansh Singla drowned on July 24, 2024, in the main swimming pool in Park Serene in the presence of lifeguards. The main pool was fully reopened in late June for the first time after the incident, but the three RWAs alleged that the promised safety and security audit of the pool and clubhouse, which is part of it, never saw the light of day as it was not shared with them. 'Following the serious incident at the club premises in 2024, it was expected that BPTP would demonstrate accountability and prioritise resident safety. However, the events following the reopening reflect persistent governance lapses and a disregard for collaborative decision-making,' said Hemant Kumar, vice president of Park Serene RWA. 'Forget the audit report being communicated or even done, no formal documentation has been provided to confirm that structural and operational lapses in the pool from the previous year have been fully addressed,' said Satyaveer Sangwan, 37, a resident since 2018. The club has requested Rs 364 as reopening charges from each flat, Park Seren RWA president Sandeep Sharma, 64, said. 'Residents do not mind paying, but are angry about the general opacity. The omission about the pool/clubhouse audit poses ongoing risks and undermines confidence in BPTP's safety protocols,' the retired Air Force Group Captain said. The biggest grievance of the three RWAs is the alleged high common area maintenance fees charged, as well as the online collection system, which they claim does not allow partial payments and has a high convenience fee for digital modes, such as UPI and NEFT. 'It is redundant for specially outstation owners to pay by cheque for each month. The monthly fee of Rs 1,003, after including electricity and water charges, becomes around Rs 1,300,' Sangwan said. The charges continue to be applied without a clear cost breakdown and transparency regarding how revenues from commercial activities within the club—such as fitness classes, a coffee outlet, a restaurant, and the upcoming juice section—are being utilised or offset against resident dues, said Kumar. Further, the sewer and drainage connections have not been installed, and the electricity capacity is currently low, leading to frequent DG set usage, the residents alleged. 'They are just feasting on the delayed payments by collecting exorbitant interest,' Park Generations RWA president Ashwini Singh said. The residents said they have even written to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), and the Union government, citing financial improprieties and violations of the Consumer Protection Act. BPMS managing director Shyam Sunder, when contacted, said that the club and swimming pool at 37D Serene are currently operated under the management of Godrej Living, but that they have been regularly sharing all necessary reports. 'Standard safety protocols have been reviewed and implemented in line with good industry practices. Operational responsibility, including safety audits, along with related documentation and disclosures, rests with Godrej Living,' said Sunder. The maintenance and club charges are determined and levied by Godrej Living as part of their management scope, he added. 'The CAM rate applicable for 37D Serene remains at Rs 3.56 per sq ft, which is one of the lowest rates in the vicinity compared to comparable residential communities. Further, BPMS books are audited by SN Dhawan & Co LLP (an affiliate of Mazars, a globally reputed audit and advisory firm). A CA certificate based on these audited books is shared annually. A detailed cost break-up has also been shared with the RWA multiple times to ensure transparency.' He called the claims civic and infrastructural inadequacies unfounded. 'Regarding the allegations of missing infrastructure like stormwater drainage and 33 KVA electrical systems, we categorically state that these systems were either completed or handed over as part of the original development scope. If there are any specific operational issues, we request the RWA to share details for resolution instead of making unfounded claims,' said Sunder. A BPMS official stated that the issues regarding payment collection and the app only pertain to the current RWA, as previous ones had requested a similar mechanism with minor modifications.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
RWAs ask govt to take steps to tackle stray dog menace
New Delhi: Amid growing concerns over the stray dog menace across the national capital, several residents welfare associations (RWAs) of Delhi-NCR assembled at Jantar Mantar on Saturday morning, demanding immediate action by the central govt. Former Union minister and senior BJP functionary Vijay Goel led the protest, which followed the Supreme Court's recent remarks during a case involving alleged harassment of a Noida resident for feeding stray dogs. "We give you a suggestion to open a shelter in your own house. Feed every dog in the community in your own house," the apex court had remarked, stressing the need to protect stray animals while safeguarding public interest too. Criticising the "false activism" of a section of animal lovers, protesters said they fed dogs in public but failed to take their responsibility for long term. Goel said, "If so-called animal lovers truly care for dogs, they should take them into their homes—not turn public spaces into zones of fear." He cited the Noida incident as an evidence of how street feeding without accountability can escalate into public safety concerns. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Noida RWA member DS Rawat argued for stricter enforcement. "These dogs, emboldened by public feeding, become hostile. When incidents happen, the so-called animal lovers are nowhere to be seen when accountability is needed." The protest centered around three key demands put forth by the RWAs. First, they called for the establishment of permanent shelter homes for stray dogs, emphasising that after sterilisation and vaccination, the animals should not be released back onto the streets. Second, they urged govt to revise Animal Birth Control Rules 2023, specifically objecting to the provision that requires stray dogs to be managed by the RWAs. Lastly, they sought a strict ban on street feeding and the introduction of the "no dogs on streets" policy, reinforcing their call for safe, designated shelter facilities for strays. Goel highlighted Delhi High Court's orders dated Nov 14, 2024, and May 21, 2025, directing the creation of 'no-dog zones' in sensitive public areas such as schools, parks, markets and other crowded places. He also pointed out that the chief secretary of Delhi had been ordered by the high court to submit a report by Aug 2025, outlining concrete steps taken to address the issue.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Former Union Minister, RWAs protest for solution to city's ‘stray dog menace'
Former Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel and several delegations of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in Delhi held a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday calling for government action to control the growing 'street dog menace' in the Capital. Mr. Goel expressed concerns over the alarming rise in stray dog attacks, saying, 'The primary victims are children, women, and the elderly. Parks have become unsafe, children have stopped playing outdoors, and people fear even stepping out for a walk.' He said there are 7 lakh dogs in the city. 'Sterilisation alone is no longer sufficient; mass relocation and proper infrastructure are necessary,' he said, adding that aggressive dogs should be relocated to designated shelters, where they can be given special care. 'It is not the responsibility of RWAs to manage stray dogs. This is the government's duty. We need to enforce a clear and effective 'No Dogs on Streets' policy now', the Mr. Goel said. A poster at the protest site demanded 'stern action against those feeding dogs on the street'. Earlier in the week, the Supreme Court, while hearing a Noida-based petitioner's plea alleging harassment in feeding stray dogs, remarked, 'Why don't you feed them in your own house?'
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
Indore Is India's Cleanest City Again: Here's What It Does Differently
Last Updated: Indore's consistent success is a result of a multi-pronged approach encompassing robust waste management, smart infrastructure, strong civic engagement Indore, the city famous for its delicious breakfast poha, has once again cemented its reputation as India's cleanest city, securing the top spot in the government's annual Swachh Survekshan cleanliness survey for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year. The results, announced on Thursday, saw Surat and Navi Mumbai follow Indore in the top three cleanest cities in the country. In a separate category for cities with populations between 3 and 10 lakh, Noida was recognised as the cleanest, with Chandigarh and Mysore coming in second and third, respectively. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to the winners at a ceremony held in New Delhi, attended by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal and other dignitaries. Indore's consistent success in maintaining its cleanliness isn't accidental. It's a result of a multi-pronged approach encompassing robust waste management, smart infrastructure, strong civic engagement, and innovative services. Here's a closer look at what sets Indore apart: 100% Door-to-Door Collection & Source Segregation Advanced Waste Processing & Resource Conversion Indore is a leader in waste treatment. Nearly all generated waste is processed and converted into valuable resources. A large-scale Gobar-Dhan plant plays a crucial role, processing up to 550–692 tonnes of wet waste daily to produce bio-CNG and organic compost. The bio-CNG even fuels city buses and is available to residents at discounted rates. Furthermore, plastics are recycled, with some even being converted into fuel, while garden waste is composted or reused through mobile units and decentralised facilities. Smart Infrastructure & Centralised Monitoring Indore leverages technology for efficient waste management. A fleet of GPS-enabled garbage trucks and controlled traffic patterns ensure timely waste collection. This entire operation is centrally monitored from a control room, allowing for real-time performance tracking. The city also employs night operations using water-misting road sweepers, powered by recycled water from sewage treatment plants, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. Zero-Waste Zones & Behaviour Change Campaigns Indore has successfully transformed certain areas, including wards, markets, zoos, slums, and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), into 'zero-waste zones." Within these communities, segregation, reuse, composting, and recycling are actively practised. The city has also launched impactful behavioural change campaigns like 'Bartan Banks" to discourage single-use plastics and 'Jhola Banks" for cloth bags. City-wide plastic buyback schemes and public pledges further reinforce the message of cleanliness. The popular 'Swachhta Anthems," catchy songs played during door-to-door waste collection, effectively engage citizens and foster civic pride. Strong Civic Engagement & Enforcement NGOs in Indore play a vital role, conducting year-round awareness drives, rainwater harvesting initiatives, and clean-air campaigns. They also promote zero-waste policies at events like temple festivals and cricket matches. Citizens, students, shopkeepers, and local committees actively participate in cleanliness pledges and competitions. To deter littering, the city utilises CCTV monitoring and imposes fines. Notably, the municipal corporation even implements stern enforcement measures, including termination for non-compliant staff, highlighting their commitment to maintaining high standards. Innovative Services & Energy Conservation The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is continually innovating. They are set to launch an on-demand waste and bulk cleaning service via the city's 311 mobile platform, offering flexible waste pickup and transparent billing. Furthermore, an energy-conservation drive in early 2025 yielded impressive results, saving over 1.5 crore units of electricity and reducing 12,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions within 100 days, thanks to strong community involvement and the adoption of solar and efficiency measures. Indore's continuous reign as India's cleanest city is a testament to its holistic and dedicated approach to sanitation, setting a benchmark for urban cleanliness across the nation. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter -- view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Reduced budget for greenbelt upkeep triggers RWA backlash in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: GMDA's urban environment division has invited RWAs to take over the upkeep of greenbelts in front of their societies at the revised rate. But GMDA's recent move to reduce the greenbelt maintenance rate from Rs 4 to Rs 2.75 per square metre per month has not gone down well with RWAs, who say the new rate is not viable and does not reflect the rising cost of manpower, equipment and upkeep. RWAs pointed out the revision in the rate compromises the quality of upkeep in landscaped areas and might discourage resident-led maintenance efforts in the future. "We are willing to take up the maintenance since our portion of the greenbelt is small, but for larger areas, it is not feasible. Besides, GMDA must first develop the greenbelts. Most are either encroached upon or become a dumping ground," general secretary of Sector 9A Suraj Bhola said. Some RWAs also pointed out the disparity between GMDA and MCG standards. "MCG provides Rs 4.20 per sqm for park maintenance and even then we have to pitch in from our own funds," RWA president of Sector 46 Rajkumar Yadav said. "It seems GMDA is unaware of the real costs involved — manpower, equipment and inflation. RWAs are willing stakeholders, but only if authorities provide adequate financial support," Yadav said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon The GMDA proposal — for the upkeep of greenbelts — followed a recent tender of Tau Devi Lal Park located in Sector 22, in which Rs 2.75 per sqm emerged as the lowest bid. GMDA has now offered the same rate to RWAs willing to take up similar work. As of now, there are around 140 MoUs signed between GMDA and RWAs, corporates and NGOs for the maintenance of greenbelts and parks. A senior official of GMDA said, "We started the tendering process for Tau Devi Lal Park and since Rs 2.75 was the accepted rate, this price has been shared with RWAs. A few RWAs have already agreed and are coming on board. Those who are willing and able will be given first priority. For the rest, the work will either be allotted to agencies or handled under CSR." But RWAs say the rate cut ignores rising costs of horticultural maintenance and burdens residents financially. Royal Green Owners Condominium Association (RWA) in Sector 92, for instance, has been maintaining the greenbelt outside its main gate since 2019. In 2023, it signed an MoU with GMDA to officially maintain a 500-metre stretch. Now, it faces the prospect of continuing the work under protest. "We will have no option but to maintain it at Rs 2.75 under protest. Even at Rs 4, we were contributing from our own funds. This rate cut makes it even harder. GMDA has around 500km of greenbelt area, which is still underdeveloped and even a small fragment of green cover is maintained through either CSR or RWAs like us," president of Rising Homes RWA Praveen Malik said.
