Builder blocks walkway of nearly 200 flats in Greater Noida, allege residents

Residents of a Greater Noida West society have complained that the builder of their society has blocked their walkway through illegal construction.

Residents of a high rise society in newly developed Greater Noida West have alleged that their builder has blocked their walkway through illegal construction. The residents have complained to the Greater Noida authorities about it. The residents have alleged that they have to walk 100 meters extra every day as the builder has constructed two floors on their walkway illegally, blocking the passage of over 200 flats at Himalaya Pride society.

"There was no mention of Towers E when we bought the flat here. Our entry and exit was from the green area where the builder had constructed an illegal tower. To prevent us from walking through the area, the builder constructed gates and locked them, forcing us to take the longer route and walk for 100 meters even after a grocery shopping," said Naresh Nautiyal, local resident who has complained against the builder.

"Despite my repeated complaints, the authorities have failed to take action. The builder floated three different brochures during three different time period and mentions a new tower in the latest one on out walkway. The authority officials were hand in glove with the builder while giving permission but now they have set up and enquiry, most likely an eyewash enquiry. If the authority can demolish illegal construction by residents at Grand Omaxe, why can't they demolish illegal construction of builders," said Nautiyal.

Another resident, Abhishek Srivastava, said, "Imagine walking 100 meters extra each day as builder has sold the walkway. We can either take out the car for grocery shopping if we have to avoid 100 meters extra walk. By what logic the authority approved it despite objections by a resident. There have been series of complaints but no action has been taken so far. All are hand in glove in robbing the homebuyers of their rights."

The builder, however, maintains that the matter is under investigation and no conclusion shall be drawn on complaints.

"A team of authority has set up and enquiry. One shall wait for the enquiry report instead of terming the construction out rightly illegal. We have a reputation and we can't have damage on that by such complaints. One shall restrain from making allegations before the report is submitted," said Alok Yadav, senior executive at Himalaya builders.

Residents also alleged that illegal shops have been constructed in the basement reserved for parking and are being sold. They have complained the authority about the matter.