The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has taken a decisive step by issuing notices to developers in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad for significant delays in project completion. This warning is coupled with a stern ultimatum that the SRA may assume control of these projects in the event of further delays. A total of 22 developers have found themselves at the receiving end of these notices.
The SRA’s action was triggered by the discovery that several developers in the region had not initiated construction despite obtaining all necessary permissions. In other cases, construction had been halted midway. These delays have exacerbated the plight of slum dwellers whose homes were razed with the promise of a solid residence in a building developed under the SRA scheme.
Of particular concern to SRA officials are projects that have remained stagnant for four to five years. Consequently, developers have been called upon to provide a detailed account of the causes behind these delays or, alternatively, to recommence work without further procrastination. In a bid to expedite project completion, the SRA is prepared to take a more hands-on approach by potentially taking over these projects, which could then be assigned to other developers.
The SRA’s proactive measures underscore the importance of ensuring that projects benefiting marginalized communities are delivered on time. As such, these notices represent not only a commitment to regulatory compliance but also a demonstration of the authorities’ dedication to providing adequate housing to those in need.
