HC relief, but hsg society families still without power

Mohali: Hundreds of families in the Sushma Valencia project continue to remain without electricity and water despite recent relief from the Punjab and Haryana high court, sparking a protest outside the PSPCL office Monday.

Residents who approached the office to apply for connections were told that the department had not yet received the official court order and was awaiting legal opinion. While applications and documents were accepted, no timeline was given for power supply.

The delay triggered anger, with residents staging a demonstration and raising slogans. They questioned why homebuyers were being forced to suffer in peak summer despite the court observing that they should not be penalised for administrative lapses.

Many said they had invested life savings in the flats but were still unable to move in due to the lack of basic amenities. Residents added they were ready to deposit the Rs 20,000 fee and meet other conditions for temporary connections, but alleged no clear mechanism had been put in place.

The issue affects over 500 families. The high court had recently directed authorities to work towards a permanent solution and, as an interim measure, provide temporary electricity connections.

Residents warned of intensifying protests if the directives were not implemented soon, as families remain caught between legal processes and administrative delays.