Despite multiple directives from the Chief Minister and the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) over the past eight years. The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has not taken over the maintenance of DLF Phases 1-3. In its latest submission to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The MCG cited a lack of funds and manpower as the primary reasons for the delay.
The case, filed by the Gurgaon Citizens Council, was scheduled for hearing on Monday but has been postponed to February 4.
In its response to the court, the MCG stated
The colonies in question cover approximately 1,500 acres. The current infrastructure details need to be addressed. It is submitted that MCG does not have the necessary manpower to maintain these colonies indefinitely.
The MCG further argued that it could only take over the maintenance of the colonies if the developer addressed infrastructure deficiencies and ongoing maintenance requirements.
The DTCP initially directed the MCG to assume responsibility for DLF Phases 1-3 in 2016. These orders were reiterated by the Chief Minister in 2017 and 2019. Despite this, the MCG has not acted on the orders.
Notably, the MCG has taken over the maintenance of other privately developed colonies, such as Suncity, Sushant Lok, Palam Vihar, South City, Nirvana Country, and Malibu Town, during the same period. This disparity has raised questions about the prolonged delay concerning DLF Phases 1-3.
In May 2024, the High Court directed the MCG to file a status report. In its response, MCG executive engineer Sanjeev Kumar reiterated that the corporation lacks the resources to maintain such a large area unless DLF Limited or the DTCP provides financial assistance.
On the other hand, DLF has tied the takeover to the issuance of a completion certificate. The company applied for the certificate in 2022, but it has not been granted yet, further delaying the process.
DLF’s Vice President and Head of Facility Management, Nitya Mohan, commented,
“MCG is not adequately prepared to manage a colony of this scale. There is no defined scope of work, request for proposals (RFP), or manpower assessment. Existing colonies under MCG’s care are in distress, highlighting inefficiencies. While we have addressed infrastructure repairs as per the detailed project report (DPR), ensuring residents’ convenience remains our priority.”
Mohan emphasized that the transfer should only occur after the completion certificate is issued and systematic standard operating procedures (SOPs), including RFPs for round-the-clock facility management, are in place to ensure service quality.
This delay has drawn criticism from activists, who allege that it benefits the developer while depriving residents of essential services and public accountability. As the High Court prepares to hear the case, there is hope it will drive accountability rather than add to governance failures.
