JODHPUR: Expressing concern over the sale of plots and houses in privately developed colonies without proper drainage, electricity and water facilities, the Rajasthan high court on Wednesday directed the state govt, development authorities and urban bodies to ensure that no developer or builder is allowed to sell such properties without adhering to construction regulations.
The court directed that urban development & housing department (UDH) must first issue a certificate to the developer or builder confirming whether the residential colony or society is suitable for habitation.
A bench comprising Chief Justice MM Shrivastava and Justice Madan Gopal Vyas issued the order while hearing a PIL filed by the residents of Ansal Sushant City and Sushant Lok Residents Welfare Society. The case’ next hearing is scheduled for the last week of this month.
Residents of Sushant City in Jodhpur had not received drinking water for the past 20 years and had filed the PIL in 2021. The petition stated that people were living there without basic amenities and were facing difficulties. The builder had allotted land and houses without a drainage system and electricity connection. During a hearing on Dec 23, 2023, the HC had issued strict orders to Jodhpur Development Authority officials to resolve the issue. The HC reprimanded officials for not complying with the order in a following hearing seven months back.
During this hearing, the HC issued orders to the UDH secretary stating that the department should thoroughly investigate privately developed colonies and issue a certificate only after ensuring the presence of basic amenities. Only then can the builders sell houses, flats and plots.
It further stated, “The state and development authorities must ensure that builders do not defraud individual buyers. It will be the responsibility of the development authorities to ensure that development occurs according to the development plan and not in the current situation where thousands of people are living without water facilities. The UDH secretary and all development authorities in the state have been instructed to issue directives in this regard.”
