Bhubaneswar Housing Project Residents Allege Developer Encroachment on Common Areas
Residents of a major housing project in GGP Colony, Bhubaneswar, have leveled serious accusations against the developer for encroaching on their common road to facilitate construction work for an adjacent second project. According to the aggrieved homeowners, this unauthorized use has led to significant inconvenience and safety hazards for over 50 families residing in the complex.
Safety Risks and Inconvenience from Construction Activities
The residents report that heavy vehicles and construction machinery have been entering through the road designated exclusively for the housing complex. This activity, they claim, continues despite the second project allegedly lacking necessary approvals from the civic body. The intrusion has not only disrupted daily life but also posed potential dangers to pedestrians and children in the area.
Further Encroachment on Common Spaces Within the Complex
Beyond the road dispute, residents assert that the developer has occupied common areas within the existing apartment complex. These include portions of the ground floor, parking spaces, and the main entry gate area. Allegedly, these spaces are being used for unauthorized commercial and institutional activities, violating the residential nature of the zone.
Pabitra Kumar Parida, secretary of the residents’ association, highlighted the severe impacts of this occupation. "The encroachment has left us with limited parking options, compromised safety at the main gate, which remains open round the clock, and caused persistent nuisance," Parida stated. He emphasized that the area is classified as purely residential, making these activities illegal and disruptive.
Persistent Complaints and Lack of Government Action
Over the past several months, residents have repeatedly written to multiple authorities, raising additional concerns such as:
- A lack of a compound wall around the complex
- Stagnation of rainwater in the basement
- Deteriorating condition of internal infrastructure
Despite inspection reports and orders issued in their favor by forums like the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) and the Odisha Development Authority (ODA) Court, no corrective action has been taken on the ground. "We are totally disappointed by the government’s inaction," Parida expressed, noting that repeated appeals to top officials have yielded no concrete steps.
Government Response and Ongoing Investigations
In response to escalating complaints, the housing and urban development department has forwarded the residents’ grievance petitions to key urban authorities, including the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), ORERA, and the directorate of town planning. Satish Chandra Singh, joint secretary of the department, directed these agencies to examine the allegations, take necessary action, and keep the department informed while directly updating the petitioners.
The enforcement bodies have been instructed to proceed accordingly, but residents remain skeptical due to past inaction. This case underscores broader issues in real estate regulation and civic governance in Bhubaneswar, highlighting the challenges faced by homeowners in enforcing their rights against powerful developers.
