Residents of Mantri Serenity Apartments on Kanakapura Road continue to face significant challenges, despite finally moving into their flats in 2023 following extensive delays. The buildings lack both an Occupancy Certificate (OC) and a reliable power connection. Initiated in 2016, the project encountered numerous interruptions and was eventually completed with funds from the Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Investment Fund, provided by the Union government.
On July 20, Bescom disconnected the temporary power supply to four of the five towers, only to restore it later that day on humanitarian grounds. The ongoing power issue stems from a dispute between Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) and the developer, Castle Vista Private Limited. This unreliable power supply has led to frequent outages, severely inconveniencing residents.
Narayana Vishwnathan, a 75-year-old resident of Block 5, lamented having to use the stairs due to non-functional lifts, despite having undergone knee surgery. Another resident, Lavanya Satish, 45, expressed her frustration over having invested crores and taken loans for flats that lack basic amenities like permanent power.
Amid these challenges, the residents’ association has lodged a police complaint against the developer following the power disconnection incident. The root of the issue lies in an agreement from 2008, where India Heritage Trust (IHT) allocated land for a 30 MW substation within the complex. As per this agreement, the complex was initially allowed to draw up to 7.5 MW from the substation. However, the increased demand, especially with the recent completion of additional towers aided by the SWAMIH fund, has pushed this requirement to 24 MW.
Flat owner R. Ramanujam stressed that setting up a new substation is crucial to resolve the power crisis. Despite reaching out, Snehal Mantri, founder of Mantri Developers, did not respond. The residents are left grappling with their ordeal, living in a state of uncertainty and frustration.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/mantri-serenity-residents-ordeal-continues-now-with-lack-of-permanent-power-connection/article68433171.ece
Category : Bengaluru
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