GREATER NOIDA
: Two officials of an agency hired to look after the maintenance of
Gaur City
township were
booked
on Monday for allegedly disconnecting
water
supply and removing security guards in an attempt to quell protests against increased upkeep charges.
Residents alleged that the protests were triggered after the builder-appointed agency announced a 60% increase in maintenance charges without prior notice. They said notices were put up on Sunday night stating that the new rates will be applicable from October 1.
Amit Sharma, a resident of VI Avenue, said they protested inside the campus and a complaint was also filed at Bisrakh police station. He added that as soon as they came back, they found that guards were removed and water supply was disconnected. “We initially thought there was some fault in the water supply but when nobody picked up the trash the next morning, we became suspicious,” he said.
On Monday afternoon, the residents met the Noida DM. “He forwarded our complaint to CEO, Greater Noida Authority, and the sub-divisional magistrate and assured us that action will be taken and services will be restored. However, nothing happened till late night,” he said.
After police reached the township, the water supply was restored — after nearly 20 hours. Rishipal Singh, SSI (Bisrakh), said that the accused — R.K Mourya, the estate manager and Ashish Narula, deputy general manager — were booked under sections 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease), 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease), among others.
Ashish Narula, DGM (IP Estates), said, “It is disheartening to note that the residents have filed an FIR against us at a time when we are tirelessly working to provide the best services,” he said. He added that the money they get is too less to meet the expenses, including the salaries of maintenance staff. “Residents need to understand the increasing cost of upkeep," he added.