The residents of upmarket DLF Phase-III have been facing an acute shortage of water and power for the past few weeks. Some of the families are totally dependent on water tankers for their daily needs.
Rita Arya, a DLF Phase-III resident, said it was a “living hell” with the taps running dry and the power supply being erratic. “We are without water supply for the past few weeks. The unscheduled power cuts have further added to our woes. We go without power for 8-10 hours a day and that too unscheduled. Even when the power comes, it fluctuates so much that many of us have lost our valuable appliances. The water and power situation is grim every summer, but it has deteriorated this season.”
Saying that “T” Block was affected the most, Ms. Arya said that they had made complaints to the developer, councillor and the local MLA, but to no avail. “We get assurances sometimes. But most of the times there is no response. We met a general manager responsible for DLF Phase-III last week and he promised to look into the matter. Some follow-up meetings were also held, but the situation on the ground remains unchanged.”
Another resident, Praveen Langham, said that they had to depend on private tankers for their daily needs with each tanker costing them Rs.800 to Rs.1,000.
Ms. Arya alleged that the water meant for residents was being illegally diverted by the developer for commercial establishments. She also accused the developer of doing little to maintain the area’s roads and for the residents’ safety. “The vacant plots are being illegally used by cab drivers to park their vehicles who then indulge in gambling and drinking. It deteriorates the law and order situation in the area, making it unsafe for the young women to venture out in the evening.”
Gurgaon Citizens’ Council president R.S. Rathee said the residents were planning a demonstration outside the Haryana Urban Development Authority office next week if their grievances were not redressed.
DLF spokesperson maintained that power cuts in the past few weeks were the reason behind the water shortage. “When we do not get enough supply from Basai water treatment plant, how can we be blamed for the water shortage? The allegation that DLF diverts water to commercial establishments is also baseless as we have our own Sewage Treatment Plant to supply water to commercial activities,” said the spokesperson.
