The department of town and country planning (DTCP) has ordered the registration of an FIR against a city-based developer for failing to begin the construction of its affordable housing project in Sector 70 even three years after getting the licence. The DTCP has already issued two notices to the developer.
According to the department, Ocean Seven Buildtech got the licence for the development of the affordable housing project — The Venetian — slated to be constructed on five acres of land in Sector 70, in September 2019. As per the policy, the developer is required to complete the project within four years of its launch.
In a letter to DTP (enforcement), Amit Madholia, district town planner (HQ), said, “In this case, the developer has failed to start the project even after three years of grant of licence. As per site visit and further inspection, it appears that the developer is not keen on completing the project”.
“The company has violated the terms of the licence, hence criminal proceedings must be initiated against the company as per the provisions of Section 10 (1) of Act 8 of Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975,” he wrote.
A senior official from the department said the developer had sought permission for conducting the second draw of lots for flats, “but there is no construction at the site and therefore the matter was referred to higher authorities”.
When contacted, a spokesperson for Ocean Seven Buildtech, said, “We have submitted our reply to the department. The construction was not started as the environmental clearance was not received. Moreover, 2020 got wasted due to the Covid pandemic.”