PUNE: Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has written to IIT Bombay and CoEP Technical University for structural inspection of 4,883 flats built under Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana.
This development comes after many residents approached PMRDA with complaints related to shoddy construction and issues with ceilings, bathrooms, and toilet leakages in their new flats within a year of possession.
The flats built for the economically weaker sections and people from low-income groups were handed over to the beneficiaries last year. However, soon after possession, many residents started complaining of leakages, after which PMRDA officials directed the developers to carry out repair works. Besides, a fine was also imposed on the developer.
Rinaj Pathan, chief engineer, PMRDA, told TOI, “Although the structure is stable and it is safe for those living in it, it is better to get it inspected by experts to ensure the safety of citizens. We have written letters to both IIT Bombay and CoEP and whoever responds early will be appointed for the inspection.”
She said the inspection is being carried out following complaints of leakages to identify whether the developers compromised on the quality of materials during construction. If the developer is found to be at fault, appropriate action will be initiated, she said. A total of 45 buildings, each having 11 floors comprising one and two-bedroom flats, have been built under PMAY project on an area spread over around 52 hectares.
Pathan said that a meeting was organised with a delegation of residents and developers, and majority of concerns have been addressed. The developers are reconstructing the bathrooms and toilets in several buildings where leakages were reported. Earlier in April this year, flat owners held a protest at PMRDA office raising their concerns.
Atul Kamble, a resident who shifted in June last year, told TOI that the quality of construction has been compromised a lot and the repair works are taking a lot of time as developers lack manpower. He said that PMRDA has directed the developers to complete the repair works before Dec 15.
“Initially, only a few flat owners complained of leakages, but the problem has now increased, and many residents are reporting issues to PMRDA. The leakage was also reported in storage water tank and pipes at some buildings,” he said, adding that the repair works would require reconstruction of whole toilet or bathroom to stop leakage. Kamble said that the security deployed at the society gate was also removed on short notice during Diwali, and the sewage treatment plant was shut down.
Source Homevior.in
