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The Senior Citizens Welfare Association of Signature View Apartments plans to approach the Delhi High Court with a plea regarding the evacuation and rent payment promised by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
While the matter is scheduled for a hearing in the high court on April 22, last month the DDA initiated the process to hire a contractor to dismantle and demolish the existing structures.
Signature View Apartment housing complex in north Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar has 336 high-income group and middle-income group apartments. The apartment complex consists of 10 towers that are 12 stories tall and 2 towers that are 6 stories tall. The complex was built between 2007 and 2010 and allotted to residents in 2011-2012. However, in subsequent years, residents flagged structural safety issues.
In November, the court stayed DDA's proposed demolition plan while hearing a plea from another group of residents. In March, the court sought an explanation from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi on why it declared the apartment dangerous in connection with a plea by a resident. It also sought the central government's stance on the building status.
DDA had earlier given residents a deadline to vacate by November 30, 2023 and appointed a demolition consultant. However, nine residents approached the high court, saying the rent offered by DDA was too low.
An IIT Delhi audit in November 2022 found the premises structurally weak and degrading. The 336-unit Signature View Apartment housing complex in North Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar was declared unsafe for habitation, following which demolition orders were issued by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena last year.
While DDA and owners negotiated evacuation terms, DDA gave time till November 30 for owners to vacate. Over 100 families had shifted but full evacuation is still pending. As this evacuation is pending, DDA has not started the payment of rent. VB Pandey of the Senior Citizens' Association said DDA should remove the clause of paying rent only after all 336 apartments are vacated, as most owners are paying EMIs and cannot afford additional rent.
A balanced approach is needed to address the issues of all stakeholders involved in this complex demolition and rehabilitation process. The high court's ruling on the matter later this month will provide much needed clarity on the rights and responsibilities of residents as well as authorities.
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