Row over Tatvam Villas’ maintenance

The residents of Tatvam Villas on Sohna Road took over the maintenance of their residential complex on Thursday evening, citing an order by the Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (H-Rera), which stated that the residents’ welfare association (RWA) could manage security, water supply, horticulture and power backup at their own cost.

The developer, however, has opposed the takeover, arguing that maintenance could only be transferred to a government agency as per the Haryana Urban Development Act.

High drama ensued in the colony on Thursday evening after employees of the maintenance agency hired by the residents and those belonging to the builder tried to compete to take control of the complex.

One of the residents said that they have approached incumbent MP Rao Inderjit Singh and will also meet the local MLAs to apprise them of the situation. If things are not resolved they would boycott the polls on May 12 or exercise the ‘NOTA’ option.

“This will be a mark of protest.” said Somesh Jawarani, president, RWA of Tatvam Villas.

When asked about the matter, a senior H-Rera official said that proceedings of the order have been issued, but the order can only be executed on the basis of a detailed one. “The authority will issue a detailed order on this issue as the matter is sub judice,” said a top official, on condition of anonymity.

The H-Rera order issued on May 2, stated, “We direct both the parties wait till the final direction of the high court, till then the
status quo shall prevail as directed earlier. However, RWA is authorized to take care about their essential issues w.r.t security, horticulture, power backup and garbage collection. However, the costs shall be borne by the RWA [sic].”

The builder, Vipul Ltd, meanwhile, said that the attempt to take over the maintenance was illegal as the matter is still sub judice, and the next date of hearing is on July 10 in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. “Tatvam Villas is part of an integrated township and its maintenance can be taken over only by a government agency. We are ready to hand over the maintenance to the MCG, but not to the RWA,” said Rakesh Sharma, senior vice president, Vipul Ltd.