Ahmedabad: The civil service organization called Nagrik Seva Sangathan has alleged large-scale irregularities in redevelopment projects being undertaken by the Gujarat Housing Board across the state, claiming that the government has suffered losses worth lakhs of rupees due to violations of redevelopment norms.

Members of the organization, along with residents affected by Housing Board redevelopment projects, submitted a memorandum to the Ahmedabad Collector on Monday, seeking an investigation into the alleged irregularities. They claimed that the government has incurred losses due to the allotment of Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) and the allotment of government land without proper compensation.

Office-bearers of the organization alleged that Housing Board officials earned crores of rupees through the approval of redevelopment tenders and the sale of TDRs. They further claimed that government land worth crores was effectively handed over free of cost under certain redevelopment projects. According to them, officials are taking advantage of economically weaker and middle-class residents who lack the resources to pursue lengthy legal battles.

The organization said that challenging such projects often requires litigation from the High Court to the Supreme Court, making it difficult for affected residents to seek justice.

Citing Clause 3.1(d) of the redevelopment policy, the organization alleged that while commercial construction is permitted only within prescribed limits, excessive commercial development is being allowed in several projects. It further claimed that, apart from Housing Board officials, personnel from the Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s Town Planning and Estate Departments are also involved in the alleged irregularities.

The organization has demanded a detailed probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), along with strict action against officials found guilty. DeshGujarat