Gurugram: Three builders fail to clear audit dues, may face action

GURUGRAM: Three developers who failed to deposit fees for the structural audit of their projects despite repeated reminders are likely to face penal action that may include attachment of their properties.

“These three developers were directed to deposit the structural audit fees latest by Monday evening. However, none of them has complied with the directions,” Gurugram’s deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav said on Tuesday.

“We will take penal action against these three developers and it may include attachment of their properties. We will also issue them a notice as to why the registration process of their projects should not be stopped,” he said.

In the first week of August this year, the district administration finalised a panel of four agencies
for carrying out the structural audits of 17 housing societies where residents alleged serious
flaws in construction quality.
The agencies were to be paid at the rate of Rs 1.75 per sq ft and the cost of the audit was to be
borne by the developers. The developers were directed to deposit the amount in an escrow
account of the district administration.
Gurugram’s additional deputy commissioner and the district town planner were responsible for
releasing the payments to these agencies as per the plan.
A senior official from the department of town and country planning said the audit to assess the
structural defects of 16 residential projects is almost 75% complete. “There are minor issues
which include delay in payments and sharing of project-related documents by the developers,
but the department is hopeful of getting the audit done in time,” he said.
As per the work order, the agencies would conduct a detailed visual survey of the buildings, both
internally and externally, and record observation. The structural audit was to be completed
within 45 days. These agencies are required to make suggestions regarding remedial
measures.