The rehabilitation phase of the Naigaon BDD Chawl redevelopment project has encountered fresh challenges, with several allottees alleging inadequate basic infrastructure in newly handed-over buildings. Residents have reported persistent water shortages, malfunctioning sanitation systems and recurring lift failures, prompting many beneficiaries to postpone moving into their new homes despite receiving possession.
According to residents, only around 30-40% of eligible families have shifted into the rehabilitation towers so far. However, even with partial occupancy, concerns regarding essential services have begun to surface. Beneficiaries claim that water supply remains severely restricted, while issues linked to the sewage treatment plant (STP) have affected the functioning of toilet facilities.
Manoj Padalkar, a resident and representative of beneficiaries, alleged that the STP has not yet become operational, resulting in flush systems in western-style toilets remaining unusable.
“The old BDD chawls had common toilets, but at least basic facilities were available… Here, people are being forced to manually flush toilets using clean water meant for drinking and household use,” Padalkar said.
He further questioned the decision to allow occupancy before key services were fully functional.
“When essential facilities such as adequate water supply, lifts and sanitation systems are not fully operational, why were residents shifted into these towers? Neither MHADA nor the construction contractor is taking responsibility for resolving these issues,” he alleged.
Residents have reportedly approached MHADA officials, representatives of the developer and the local MLA seeking immediate intervention. However, no official response was available at the time of publication.
Padalkar warned that the situation could deteriorate further as occupancy levels rise. “If only 30-40% of residents have shifted and there is already a water crisis, one can imagine what the situation will be when all allottees start occupying their homes,” he said.
Among those yet to move in is Aparna Ruke, who received possession of her rehabilitation flat nearly a month ago.
“There is no point shifting immediately because the water problem remains unresolved. Many families who have received possession are still staying in transit camps for the same reason,” she said.
Residents claim water supply lasts barely 20 minutes daily, while frequent lift breakdowns and inadequate pressure on higher floors continue to raise concerns about the project’s readiness for full occupancy.
Source: The Free Press Journal
