Gurugram: Homes delayed, Vatika India Next township buyers protest

GURUGRAM: A group of homebuyers, as well as residents of the Vatika India Next township, staged a protest against the developer on Monday. While homebuyers alleged delays in possession of flats, residents complained about the lack of amenities in the 700-acre township spread across sectors 82, 82A, 83, 84 and 85.

Last year, the department of town and country planning cancelled the licence for the project over the non-payment of external development charges.

At least 50 protesters marched from Sapphire Mall to Vatika City Centre under the banner of Senior Citizen Association, holding placards and shouting slogans against the developer. The protesters, who are also residents, alleged that the developer wasn’t providing promised amenities such as clubhouses, community centres, religious places, CCTV cameras, cremation grounds, etc.

Ravi Yadav, a resident, said, “People invested their hard-earned money in these flats between 2008 and 2012. Now, instead of giving plots and flats, the developer is asking them to take back their money.”

SL Singla, a resident and president of Senior Citizens’ Association, alleged that the developer was yet to provide places for recreational activities and the maintenance was not up to the mark. “For the past 10-12 years, we have been suffering but even after complaints, no action was taken. Now, we have no option but to come out on the streets and raise our voice against the developer.”

When contacted, a Vatika Ltd spokesperson said, “Our senior officials met with the senior citizens’ representatives a few weeks ago and discussed and updated them on all referred points.”