Kamal Ghorui
Owners raise concern over cracked pillars, structural audit finds several to be “high risk”Noida: Residents of Great Value Sharanam housing in Sector 107 have raised concern over the deteriorating condition of the residential structure, inadequate basic infrastructure within the complex and indifference of builders towards homebuyers and their grievances.According to several members of the Apartment Owners’ Association (AOA), the housing society’s waste management system is badly managed, and firefighting systems and elevators are inadequate.Around 6,000 people live in the housing society and they said the problems have persisted since the buyers first started occupying the flats in 2017-18.Highlighting issues like widespread seepage in flats and common areas, Bishwarup Mallick, general secretary of the AOA, said that despite numerous appeals to the builder over the years, many of the issues remain unresolved.Moreover, several infrastructure systems critical to health and safety have reportedly been defective or inadequately maintained. “Concern has intensified over the health risks associated with underground water tanks, which are situated near waste treatment facilities, raising alarm about potential contamination,” said AOA president Abhishek Mittal.Structural safety is another significant worry for Sharanam residents. “Incidents of falling plaster and large cracks developing in various building structures have created a precarious living environment,” said Mallick.In response to these conditions, the AOA has demanded a comprehensive structural audit of all towers to assess the safety and integrity of the buildings.Earlier, the residents had held protests in January and also last year to emphasise their demand for action. The protest had prompted the Noida Authority to mediate between the builder and the AOA.Following sustained pressure, the builder conducted a structural audit, which found around 30 columns in the society at “high risk,” and an additional 129 at “moderate risk”. The results indicated that further investigation could reveal even greater issues.To address these concerns and in light of ongoing protests, the builder has commenced plaster repair work. However, residents criticised the slow pace of repairs and the lack of a clear timeline of its completion.A response from the representatives of the builder is awaited on the matter.
