5 lakh G Noida flat buyers left in lurch, stage protests

Construction in over 100 projects in Greater Noida West and surrounding areas has put on halt, making it uncertain when the projects would be completed and handed over to buyers.

Annoyed over the authority’s decision, around 100 buyers staged protests at various sites in Greater Noida West on Sunday. The buyers, who fear delay in possession of their flats, said they were being victimised due to builders’ negligence.

“The NGT’s decision has made the future of realty projects uncertain. Buyers have been facing hardship for the last five years. About 25,000 flats are scheduled for possession in coming months and more than one lakh are on completion stage, but everything has been brought to a grinding halt. Today, more than 100 buyers participated in the protest. We will intensify our protest in coming days. We will meet Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday,” said Annu Khan, president of the Noida Extension Flat Owners and Members Association (NEFOMA).

“It was in 2011 that projects in Greater Noida first got delayed when farmers’ started their agitation, demanding increased land compensation. We have already paid 90 per cent of our flats’ cost. The builders launched projects without due diligence, leaving us on the mercy of court. Between realtors and the authority, no one seems to be concerned about us. It is shocking that the authority has stopped the construction of all projects, while the NGT’s order was for nearly two dozen projects coming along NH 24. Now, we are burdened with EMIs and rents,” said Gaurav Aggarwal, a buyer.

The authority has not only stopped construction in Greater Noida West, but has also stopped work in sectors Omicron, Zu, Mu, Sigma, Ecotech, Techzone, Knowledge Park-IV and V, along the Yamuna expressway, and some villages beyond its jurisdiction.

The authority officials, on the other hand, said they have directed builders to stop the construction of all projects to ensure adherence to the NGT’s order. “Once the authority is satisfied with the safety measures taken by builders, the next move will be announced. For now, no construction will be carried out in and around the Greater Noida West. On Saturday, we issued notices to as many as 75 builders, asking them not to carry out any type of work. We have formed two teams to check violation of the court order and 2010 guidelines of the MoEF,” said a senior authority official.