Pointers:
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Dhakoli’s Opera Garden residents protest unfulfilled amenities promised 12 years ago.
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Maintenance charges hiked 70% without justification, sparking outrage.
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Ongoing construction for 20 years causes health hazards and inconvenience.
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Builder’s rude staff harass residents, threaten power cuts.
Silent Protest Targets Promoter’s Neglect
On Sunday, residents of Dhakoli’s Opera Garden Society, under the Opera Residents Association (ORA), held a silent protest against Chandigarh Colonizers Pvt Ltd. They demanded accountability for unfulfilled amenities, harassment by rude staff, and disruptions from ongoing construction.
On Sunday, residents of Dhakoli’s Opera Garden Society, under the Opera Residents Association (ORA), held a silent protest against Chandigarh Colonizers Pvt Ltd. They demanded accountability for unfulfilled amenities, harassment by rude staff, and disruptions from ongoing construction.
Unfulfilled Promises Fuel Anger
Sanjay Khatri, ORA’s General Secretary and retired army colonel, moved to the society in 2013. He was promised a children’s park, a walking plaza, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse—none of which were delivered. “The promises remain on paper,” Khatri said. Maintenance charges also surged from ₹1,500 in 2017 to ₹3,000 in 2023, representing a 100% increase. Residents sought justification, but the builder ignored them.
Sanjay Khatri, ORA’s General Secretary and retired army colonel, moved to the society in 2013. He was promised a children’s park, a walking plaza, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse—none of which were delivered. “The promises remain on paper,” Khatri said. Maintenance charges also surged from ₹1,500 in 2017 to ₹3,000 in 2023, representing a 100% increase. Residents sought justification, but the builder ignored them.
Construction and Staff Behavior Worsen Woes
For 20 years, construction has been a significant source of health hazards in society. “Construction cannot go on so long; it’s a serious health hazard,” said Sudhir Subramani, ORA advisor. He added, “We have been paying ₹2,500 for two years. Some pay ₹1,500, now it’s ₹3,000. Nothing happens at the ground level. Basements are a disaster.” Additionally, promoter-appointed staff behave rudely, disrespecting women and the elderly.
For 20 years, construction has been a significant source of health hazards in society. “Construction cannot go on so long; it’s a serious health hazard,” said Sudhir Subramani, ORA advisor. He added, “We have been paying ₹2,500 for two years. Some pay ₹1,500, now it’s ₹3,000. Nothing happens at the ground level. Basements are a disaster.” Additionally, promoter-appointed staff behave rudely, disrespecting women and the elderly.
Harassment and Threats Escalate Tensions
On June 11, 2023, a female resident was allegedly threatened with power disconnection for questioning the fee hike. Khatri stated, “I, along with other residents, stopped paying the monthly maintenance charges as the promises to provide amenities have not been fulfilled even after 12 years. Now the builder is threatening to block the gates and disrupt the power supply.” He emphasized, “Residents were ready to pay maintenance charges if promises made during flat purchases were fulfilled.”
On June 11, 2023, a female resident was allegedly threatened with power disconnection for questioning the fee hike. Khatri stated, “I, along with other residents, stopped paying the monthly maintenance charges as the promises to provide amenities have not been fulfilled even after 12 years. Now the builder is threatening to block the gates and disrupt the power supply.” He emphasized, “Residents were ready to pay maintenance charges if promises made during flat purchases were fulfilled.”
Failed Talks and Ongoing Disputes
After residents halted payments in August 2023, ORA approached police and RERA, prompting three to four fruitless meetings with Chandigarh Colonizers. Residents allege harassment, with even paying residents treated poorly. An anonymous official claimed, “It is ridiculous, you are not paying maintenance charges and expecting us to run a free service; providing power backups is not possible without money, as fuel prices have risen manifold.”
After residents halted payments in August 2023, ORA approached police and RERA, prompting three to four fruitless meetings with Chandigarh Colonizers. Residents allege harassment, with even paying residents treated poorly. An anonymous official claimed, “It is ridiculous, you are not paying maintenance charges and expecting us to run a free service; providing power backups is not possible without money, as fuel prices have risen manifold.”
Builder’s Silence Deepens Frustration
Chandigarh Colonizers officials declined to comment, fueling resident anger. Subramani noted, “We have been asking for a meeting, refused every time. The builder doesn’t own the property anymore; residents do.” The standoff persists as residents demand promised amenities.
Chandigarh Colonizers officials declined to comment, fueling resident anger. Subramani noted, “We have been asking for a meeting, refused every time. The builder doesn’t own the property anymore; residents do.” The standoff persists as residents demand promised amenities.
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