Entry gate poses threat to Sushant Lok 1 residents

The entry gate to Sushant Lok-1 near IFFCO Chowk, which is being used as a thoroughfare, poses a major security threat to residents.

The entry gate to Sushant Lok-1 near IFFCO Chowk, which is being used as a thoroughfare, poses a major security threat to residents. The gate — built by Ansal Developers that manages the property — is a free for all, say residents of 500-600 series, A block. An oil pipeline also runs under it

HT Image

“There have been incidents of eve-teasing and chain snatching in the area. A few days ago, some people threw beer bottles on the compound of my house. We have taken up the matter with the authorities concerned, but in vain,” said Vasudha Bakaya, a resident.

Senior citizens and children have also restricted their movement. “I can’t even take a stroll outside the house with my aged mother-in-law. There is no check on tractors using the thoroughfare and entering the colony. We pay security and maintenance fee, but nothing is being spent on our development,” said Vibha Khanna, another resident.

Residents said the thoroughfare was not a part of the blueprint provided during the construction of the colony and was being used just as a temporary entry. “We want the authorities to act in accordance with the law. The thoroughfare is not being closed because of the political influence of some residents. The developer is colluding with the authorities and not building a gate sanctioned for the entry as per the blueprint,” said Bakaya.

The residents claimed that Pro Facilities Services Pvt Ltd (PROFAC), the agency responsible for security and maintenance in the area has also turned its back on the problem. “We had requested PROFAC to put up barricades at the entry gate. We even said that we would pay for it. The agency said they would break any such installations,” said another resident.

An Indian Oil pipeline has been laid under the road that serves as the thoroughfare, but residents alleged that all kinds of vehicles use it — flouting the rule. An instruction, too, has been put up by the traffic police, but it is of no use, said residents.

“The Jalandhar-Mathura pipeline runs under the thoroughfare. Vehicles use the road, flouting the norms. It is like waiting for a catastrophe,” said Niranjan Raje, a resident and former director of the Indian Oil Corporation.

Asked about the movement of heavy vehicles on the thoroughfare, Gagandeep Singh, COO of Ansal Group, denied the claims. “A hurdle can’t be created on the thoroughfare. We have put up barricades, but we cannot stop vehicles from using the road. There is no truck or trolley moving on the road under which the pipeline runs,” he said.

HUDA administrator Praveen Kumar echoed similar views. “The road has become an important incursion. We have made the bigger road a one-way path for vehicles and chosen not to close the thoroughfare as it is the single entry point for vehicles.”