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Where did you utilise Rs 14,000 crore collected as EDC: HC to Ggn builders

Gurugram: Taking a strict stance on non utilisation of 'External Development Charge' (EDC), the Punjab and Haryana High Court has questioned developers involved in construction activities in Gurugram that where the huge amount collected in form of EDC has been utilised by the developers.
The High Court has observed that even after collection of huge amount of money, the maintenance of the areas around the residential building projects is not up to the mark.
On the petition filed by activist Harinder Dhingra, the High Court has directed the government of Haryana to collect amount of Rs14, 890 crore from the builders and developers.
In the next hearing that is slated to be held on December 11, the government has been asked to inform the judiciary about the steps taken.
Earlier, a report was presented to the court which showed that a staggering amount of Rs 16, 000 crore was collected in form of EDC by the builders in city since 2008. However, majority of the builders have shied away in utilising the amount in providing proper roads, sewage and providing other key maintenance services.
Various resident groups for long have been protesting over the huge charges being levied and no services being provided in return.
"It's excellent if the court has stepped into the matter because there is huge scam involved into this matter. Most of the builders in their heydays were in a position to charge exorbitant charges from the buyer and not be transparent in their dealings. Because they feel they could get away; they used EDC in some other activities and today many of us buyers are suffering," said Ranjith Rai, a city resident who resides in Sector -85.
"Not only should the private builders but even the role of the government be fixed in this issue," he further added.
"We have been raising this issue for a long time and we have been able to keep this issue relevant because of the persistence of homebuyers who want to know how their money has been spent. Those who have cheated the homebuyers on pretext of selling them their dream homes should be brought to book," said Dhruv Bansal of Gurugram Citizens Council.
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