Faridabad's Development Projects Face Fraud Allegations and Stalled Progress
Faridabad, once on track toward significant infrastructure growth, is now grappling with serious allegations of corruption and stagnant development initiatives, raising concerns among residents and business owners alike.
The recent arrest of four individuals, including Badkhal Tehsildar Neha Saran, marks the latest controversy within Faridabad’s planning and development sector. According to police reports, these individuals were accused of fraudulently auctioning off industrial land, which was already under legal restriction due to court orders. The land, located within the NIT Industrial Area, belonged to Unik Spring India, and was reportedly auctioned on August 2, 2022, by the Tehsildar, Deepak Manchanda, and associates, even after clear injunctions were issued by the court.
"Despite the court’s stay on the plot, the accused not only auctioned it but also attempted to mislead the court by presenting false documents," said Amarjeet Singh Chawla, the complainant and Director of Friends Auto India Limited. His legal challenges come amid significant frustrations as the auction proceeds suggested collusion and negligence on the part of public officials.
The issues do not end there. The construction of the new Municipal Corporation Faridabad (MCF) headquarters, launched back in 2018, has been marred by delays and alleged mismanagement. Initially handed over to the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority, the project was returned to the MCF after two years of stalled work attributed to irregularities and design changes. Approximately Rs 42 crore has been spent to date, yet only 50% of the building’s structure has been completed. "The project has seen multiple disruptions including wrangling over payments to contractors and design changes, leading to cost overruns of around Rs 20-25 crore to finish the remaining work," noted OP Kardam, Executive Engineer of MCF.
Tax collection has also emerged as another pressing issue for local authorities. The Municipal Corporation of Faridabad intensified its efforts to recoup outstanding property taxes, sealing seven commercial units for failing to make payments. This initiative aims to recover debts estimated between Rs 300 crore and Rs 350 crore. "We are focusing our efforts on properties with outstanding dues of Rs 50,000 or more, which have been neglected for too long," stated an MCF spokesperson.
Local residents are hoping for substantial improvements as the upcoming Union Budget approaches, particularly concerning long-promised Metro rail links connecting Faridabad to Gurugram and Palwal. Rajive Chawla of the Integrated Association of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of India stressed the urgency of funding to expedite these transport projects and to regularise non-conforming industrial zones where approximately 70% of manufacturing units operate. "Affordable and easily available energy sources, along with world-class infrastructure, are pivotal for local industries to remain competitive,” he stated.
Suresh Chand Garg echoed this sentiment, underscoring the need for upgraded civic amenities and consistent power supply to support industrial sustainability. Meanwhile, concerns about double taxation affecting industrial units have prompted discussions at the Chief Minister's office, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution.
Further complicate matters, residents are lamenting the lack of efficient public transport within the city. Sumer Khatri, representing local Resident Welfare Associations, called for urgent Metro expansion, noting, "Faridabad, with its metropolitan status, suffers from poor public transportation, and residents face daily hardships due to congestion and inadequate transport options. The budget session has reignited hopes among the public, but persistent delays are pushing us to suffer longer." He emphasized the pressing need for improvements to waste management, cleanliness, and pollution controls.
Leading up to the budget, residents, and leaders alike are calling for investments to address these pressing needs, hoping this will catalyze significant developments to rejuvenate Faridabad. With increased oversight and community activism, the hope remains for the city to resolve these pervasive issues and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and improved infrastructure.