Nagpur PMAY Residents at Risk of Electrocution and Water Crisis as Monsoon Approaches, ET RealEstate
Developed by Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) under the central government's PMAY scheme, the project was meant to offer affordable housing. However, residents allege poor construction quality, unsafe electrical fittings, water shortages, and lack of drainage pose serious risks.
NAGPUR: Over 900 families residing in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing scheme at Khasra No. 62 in Wathoda are living in fear as monsoon approaches. Residents claim multiple civic and electrical issues have plagued the 24-building, 942-flat complex since they moved in between 2020 and 2021.
Developed by Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) under the central government's PMAY scheme, the project was meant to offer affordable housing. However, residents allege poor construction quality, unsafe electrical fittings, water shortages, and lack of drainage pose serious risks.
"During rains, current passes through the walls. Several residents, including children, have received minor shocks, and many of our appliances have been damaged. The entire wiring is substandard," said Vinod Mohagaokar, a resident.
Each flat costs Rs9.15 lakh, with Rs2.5 lakh provided as subsidy under PMAY. "The rest we paid via loans at high interest. NIT also collected Rs25,000 per home as lifetime maintenance, but the conditions here are unsafe," said another resident.
Residents said transformers have been installed dangerously close to the buildings, and the solar panels installed have become defunct after reportedly causing electrical backflow. "Technicians backchannelled the connection after complaints, but since then, the panels are non-functional," a resident added.
Water availability is another major concern. "There are wells, but they don't suffice in summer. Tankers are our only source. During monsoon, the drainage system fails and the entire area floods," said a resident.
They also pointed out the absence of functional streetlights both inside and outside the premises. "We are forced to walk with torches at night. We want NIT to fix these issues before pushing us to form a housing society. Living here has become a nightmare," Mohagaokar added.
Responding to the complaints, a senior NIT official said the agency has repeatedly asked residents to form a housing society to take over maintenance. "We are a development authority. Our role is to hand over the scheme and its funds to the society. Until then, we are using those funds to manage basic maintenance. Specific complaints will be addressed, but for long-term resolution, a registered society is necessary," the official said.
