Delhi Development Authority (DDA). While the DDA has moved forward with plans to demolish the building due to its structural instability, the residents remain in a precarious position, with many having already vacated their flats but yet to receive any financial support from the authorities.
The DDA has issued an e-tender for the demolition of the 336-flat complex, declaring the building to be “dangerous” due to safety concerns. In response to this, 111 families have vacated their homes, but the promised rent compensation remains pending. According to residents, the assurance from the DDA to provide rent assistance upon vacating their flats has not materialised, leaving many families in financial limbo.
The issue first came to light when the DDA, in line with a directive from the Delhi High Court, was ordered to vacate the flats within three months. The court had also instructed the DDA to ensure that immediate rent compensation was provided to residents, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled. Despite the court’s intervention, the disbursement of funds has been delayed, causing growing frustration among the displaced families.
The rent compensation, which was promised at Rs 50,000 per month for three-bedroom flats and Rs 38,000 for two-bedroom units, has become a crucial lifeline for these residents. However, many of them continue to struggle with the financial burden of paying home loan EMIs while also seeking accommodation on rent. The absence of the promised financial assistance has left them in a difficult situation, forcing them to delay their relocation plans.
Manu Dhawan, a resident who has yet to vacate his apartment, voiced his concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the compensation. “We are confused as to whether we will receive the rent payment. My EMI is ongoing, and my neighbours who vacated their flats are yet to receive their payments,” Dhawan said. The financial strain of managing both rent and loan payments has left many families in a state of indecision about relocating, especially as they face the added burden of additional costs.
Another resident, Kunal Kashyap, expressed similar worries. As the sole earning member of his family, Kashyap is finding it challenging to manage both the home loan EMI and the costs of relocating. “We are living in fear, but we can’t afford to move immediately. Had we received timely support from the authorities, we would have vacated the flat by now,” Kashyap explained. The inability to secure the promised compensation in a timely manner has significantly delayed the relocation process for many, forcing residents to stay in unsafe conditions.
The situation highlights the broader issue of delays in compensation and the lack of support for families facing displacement due to unsafe buildings. While the DDA’s demolition plan is crucial to ensuring the safety of the residents, the absence of a clear and timely support mechanism for those displaced has sparked growing concerns over the authority’s commitment to its promises.
In the meantime, the DDA has issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for residents to finalise their vacating dates. The tender for the demolition, which was floated on March 17, outlines that the agency selected for the job will be responsible for dismantling and demolishing the buildings, as well as managing the disposal of debris at an approved site.
As the situation unfolds, the residents of Signature View Apartments are left to wonder when they will receive the financial aid they were promised. The lack of response from the DDA and the ongoing delays in the disbursement of funds only add to their sense of frustration and insecurity. In the face of uncertainty, the residents continue to navigate the complexities of the demolition process, unsure of when or if they will be able to move forward with their lives.
This ongoing issue underscores the need for more effective governance and timely support for residents affected by housing crises. The challenges faced by the residents of Signature View Apartments serve as a reminder of the critical importance of clear communication, accountability, and timely financial assistance in ensuring the well-being of citizens during times of displacement and urban redevelopment.
