Gurgaon, July 3, 2024 — In a significant move to address the infrastructure concerns of residents, the Haryana state government has announced an infrastructure upgrade for all sectors and colonies. This decision includes the release of Rs 1,179 crore under infrastructure augmentation charges (IAC), collected by various departments against the approval of stilt-plus-four floor (S+4) plans.
Background and Resident Concerns
Residents have long opposed the construction of four-floor buildings, citing inadequate infrastructure to support such developments. The city’s infrastructure, developed in the 1990s for two-and-a-half floors per residential plot, has not kept pace with the city’s growth. The doubling of the population over the past three decades has placed a considerable strain on existing civic amenities, including roads, electricity, sewerage, and drainage systems.
The approval of the fourth-floor policy in 2019 led to a surge in four-floor constructions across the city, further burdening the already stretched infrastructure. Residents continuously questioned how the existing infrastructure could sustain the additional load without significant upgrades.
Government Action and Fund Allocation
In response to these concerns, the state government has released Rs 1,178.95 crore for immediate infrastructure upgrades. The Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) has been designated as the nodal agency for prioritizing and executing these upgrades. According to government records, the funds were collected as follows:
- Rs 690 crore by the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP)
- Rs 466 crore by HSVP
- Rs 20 crore by the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) department
- Rs 2.6 crore by the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC)
Penalties for Unapproved Constructions
In addition to the infrastructure upgrades, the government has announced heavy penalties for property owners who have constructed four floors without the necessary approvals. Offenders will be required to pay composition fees at ten times the prescribed rate for unauthorized constructions. The government has also formulated a standard operating procedure (SOP) for handling these cases. Property owners must apply to the competent authority for the composition of the offense.
Digital Initiatives and Grievance Redressal
To streamline the process and provide transparency, the government has directed the concerned departments to set up an “S+4 Portal.” This portal will handle issues related to four-floor constructions and provide timely updates on various matters. Additionally, grievance redress committees will be established to address complaints and provide assistance to plot owners on issues such as structural damage, parking problems, and other infrastructure-related concerns.
Conclusion
The Haryana government’s proactive steps aim to address the long-standing infrastructure issues exacerbated by the surge in four-floor constructions. The release of significant funds and the implementation of stringent penalties for unauthorized constructions highlight the government’s commitment to improving living conditions for residents. The establishment of digital platforms and grievance redress mechanisms further underscores the focus on transparency and effective governance.
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