Residents of several Delhi Development Authority (DDA) flats are irked by the authority’s ‘indifference’ toward the implementation of the policy allowing lift facility in their apartments. The policy which was tweaked by the authority back in the year 2011 is yet to see the light of the day as scores of applications have been left unattended. The housing authority, on the other hand, claims the final policy is ready and a public notice could not be issued due to the Model Code of Conduct.
“Many residents have applied for permissions for installation of lifts in their respective block of flats. Over a year-and-half back, I too had applied for permission to install lift in our block at Vasant Kunj. I submitted all relevant papers complete in all respects, including NOCs, drawings etc. But, have got no response so far,” said Rajiv Makin, a resident of Sector D, Pocket 2, Vasant Kunj. In August 2011, the DDA had changed its policy to allow lifts in the DDA flats allotted earlier. After the announcement of the policy which was approved by Delhi’s lieutenant Governor, many residents applied for permissions for installation of lifts. The housing authority, on the other hand, claims of facing a lot of difficulties in installing lifts in its flats with lesser floors.
“Giving permission for lifts in group housing societies is easy because these buildings are taller. But the main problem occurs is smaller buildings, specifically those which have three to four floors. While we receive applications for lifts, at the same time, we also receive letters of objection from residents of the same building. Many such complainants say it obstructs the view from their home,” said a DDA official. Such houses of DDA are in locations like Vasant Kunj and Rohini.
While in the year 2012, flats in Kalkaji were the first ones to get a lift installed, the authority has taken note of several structural faults from the first project. “The final policy is with the Commissioner (Housing). A public notice on the same could not be published due to the code of conduct. However, the policy can be circulated internally and the applications can be addressed,” said an official. Earlier, a lift could be installed in a DDA apartment only if all flat owners gave no-objection certificates (NOC). later, the DDA had made changes in the norms, allowing the installation of lifts if a majority of the flat owners agreed. The consent of the owners of flats on the ground floor is also not required as a lift does not help them.