RWAs can exercise only those powers given to them by the state, says MCG chief

TNN | Jul 22, 2020, 07:50 IST

Roads in DLF-3 are in poor shape and haven’t been relaid for many years now, residents said

As part of the #MySocietyPride initiative, TOI on Tuesday evening held a virtual townhall between MCG commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh and residents of DLF areas, who raised several questions ranging from wearing of masks to containment zones, sanitation, waterlogging, drains, disposal of construction and demolition waste and decentralised composting plants. Excerpts:

In the beginning of the pandemic, MCG had gone about sanitising society premises, but it was stopped later

— Vinod Giri, RWA president, Belvedere Towers
When the lockdown started, we had come out with a schedule of sanitation and it was done across all RWAs 3-4 times. However, when the cases started rising, we had to focus on the patients and start doing targeted sanitisation, instead of going for a general sanitisation. The strategy was shifted to a targeted one where the homes of patients were sanitised. Also, we sought help from local residents and RWAs for other parts of their condominiums.

How do we fine residents inside condominiums who aren’t wearing masks?

— Sandeep Sahijwani, RWA vice president, Princeton Estate
RWAs are responsible for taking care of micro self-governance in such matters and this issue can certainly be raised before the competent authorities to know how this can be handled (police enforce mask-wearing rules).

There is mismanagement and negligence by RWA managements in following Covid-19 norms during lockdown

—Vineet Bagga, Wellington Estate
RWAs are very important for a city like Gurgaon. We have issued clear guidelines of dos and don’ts for RWAs to fight Covid-19, and some of them are “over-exercising” their powers. However, they can exercise only those powers given to them by the state.

Domestic staff are allowed to come regularly and work inside apartments, whereas newspaper vendors and milkmen are not allowed to enter the premises. Why?

— Snigdha Ghosh, Technical Paradise CGHS, Sector-56.
We are in the unlocking phase and going by the spirit, MCG, based on the guidelines of the central government, has asked all RWAs to allow essential services. I would request residents to approach the competent authorities which will take immediate action.

There is encroachment, illegal occupation and unauthorised businesses running in our neighborhood and in general in DLF-3. We also raised waterlogging problems. And roads have not been relaid for many years now

— Mohan Narayanaswamy, secretary, White Town House, DLF-3
We need to understand that DLF - 3 is a private developer’s colony which has not been taken over by MCG yet, though the handover process is in the pipeline. The DLF authorities have assured that they will start the construction of roads as soon as the monsoon ends. As and when we take over this area, we will provide all municipal services.