The recent decision by the Haryana government to permit construction of buildings with stilts and four storeys has upset many Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) across the state. The Haryana State HUDA Sectors Confederation, a coalition of 268 RWAs, has called an emergency meeting to devise a plan to oppose this move.
Members of the Confederation believe the government caved in to demands of builders ahead of elections, failing to consider residents' welfare. Allowing more dense construction in existing sectors will exacerbate issues of inadequate water supply, power outages and overburdened drainage, they warn.
The convener of the Confederation, Yashvir Malik, stated the first discussions will take place in Hisar this week. Similar meetings will be organized in Panipat and Rohtak to gather public opinion. In the coming fortnight, after assessing local concerns, the Confederation will finalize protest strategies that could involve approaching political opponents as well as direct agitation targeting administration offices.
Residents of other cities like Panchkula, Gurugram and Faridabad echoed these views, saying their living conditions had already deteriorated due to previous rounds of taller construction. With limited infrastructure in place, accommodating further population increases seems unfeasible. They feel betrayed by a decision taken without community consultation.
The RWAs promise widespread demonstrations if their demands for repeal of the new policy fall on deaf ears. With growing discontent across the state's urban neighborhoods, resolving this dispute will require deft political handling in the months ahead.
