However, today, the residents who have spent decades here tell a different story. Some are fighting in court for certain amenities and provisions, and they are also dealing with flood damages—a thought that becomes particularly worrisome during the monsoon season.

A small, weak bridge that cannot take heavy vehicles is the only route connecting Amravati Enclave to the main highway leading to Panchkula. When it rains in the hills, residents fear that the bridge may give way, leaving them disconnected from the mainland.

The bridge connecting to Amravati Enclave, Pinjore. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

During floods last year, residents claim that not only did the lifts of certain towers fill with water, but at night, they had to rush to park their vehicles at a height as water entered and accumulated in the parking lots.

“When we hear that it is raining heavily, we start making arrangements so that the water doesn’t flood our houses and our vehicles aren’t damaged. Last year, the security guard woke us up at night to move the cars from the parking lot to higher ground as water was entering the area. This is the fear we live with,” said Ram Kumar Shokeen, a retired senior bank manager. He added that certain makeshift structures in the enclave were also immediately vacated as the swelling water could have washed them away.

The rains not only scare the residents regarding connectivity to the mainland but also cause them to fear cracks in their houses.

“Connectivity is via a weak bridge that gets closed down during monsoons, and neither the developer nor the government is planning to strengthen or replace it. For the big developers coming up in the belt, a four-lane road is being constructed, passing from the backside of Amravati Enclave. However, as of now, no connectivity is being provided to Amravati residents from this road,” he added. There are over 4,000 people residing in the enclave.

Last year, residents were alarmed when not only their houses were flooded, but a part of the main highway adjacent to the small bridge also caved in due to the rains. The repair work is still ongoing, even after a year.

“What can be worse than this? Commuters have to pay a toll to pass through a broken flyover that hasn’t been repaired for almost a year now,” another resident said.

Ownership Issues: Over Two Decades of Struggle Now in Court

One of the biggest complaints of the residents is that they still don’t have freehold ownership of their plots.

Col BS Rangi (retd) said he spent his life savings to buy a plot here but alleged that they still don’t have freehold ownership of the plots. He mentioned that even if they have to take a loan from the bank, they must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mayor because the bank records do not list their names in the mutation records.

Under construction independent floors at Amravati enclave, Pinjore. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

“When we seek to have our names registered in the mutations, the authorities decline due to technical deficiencies. Because of this long-pending issue, we have moved to the High Court. Imagine, if I have to sell my house, I will have to get permission from the developer. Banks don’t give us loans without an NOC from the developer,” Col Rangi said.

He also highlighted that the internal roads were in deplorable condition.

“Most of the internal roads are in very poor condition even though the developer continues to unilaterally levy high maintenance and water charges,” he added.

A 220 KV Line Within Residential Area

Residents have also raised objections regarding the erection of a 220 KV line within the residential area, (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Residents have also raised objections regarding the erection of a 220 KV line within the residential area, which they find alarming, especially during rains when they fear the tower might fall.

“Technically, one has to leave a considerable area on both sides if you lay a 220 KV line, and here, just between both residential belts, the tower has been erected. Can you imagine the damage that can take place if this 220 KV line falls?” Shokeen said.

Fate of a Five Acre School?

The residents also alleged that, as per the plan, a government school was to be constructed on a five-acre site, most of which now falls in a riverbed. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

The residents also alleged that, as per the plan, a government school was to be constructed on a five-acre site, most of which now falls in a riverbed.

“There are promises that haven’t been kept. We feel a step-motherly treatment is given to the residents. A government school that was to come up here now falls majorly in the riverbed. Not everyone can afford the private schools constructed here,” said Ramesh Malik, an advocate with the Punjab and Haryana High Court who also resides there and has filed the petition.

River Protection Works

Residents alleged that river protection works have not been carried out in certain places and that the retaining wall has not been built, which would protect their houses during heavy rains.

“We know how we spend sleepless nights when it rains heavily for more than a few minutes,” Col Rangi said.

Additionally, the rapid construction of stilt plus floor buildings in this belt presents another challenge.

Revolving Restaurant That Caught Fire Closed Down

The biggest attraction of the region, the revolving restaurant Aasma, has been closed down for around a year. There was a fire in the restaurant, after which it was closed. To date, it has not reopened.

What Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal Has to Say

“I wouldn’t be commenting on it because the matter is subjudice. But, I’d like to inform that I have constructed nine schools in that area, where one school is for EWS children, and many children are studying there.

“As far as ownership is concerned, how can I change the government laws? I can’t change what the government provisions are and what residents need to follow as per the laws.”

He added, “We have been giving the best amenities to the residents there. And it wouldn’t be right on my part to comment further as the matter is subjudice.”