Gurugram : Eight Years On, MCG Still Hasn’t Taken Over Maintenance of DLF Phases 1-3

                GURGAON: Despite repeated orders from the chief minister and the department of town and country planning (DTCP) over the past eight years, MCG is yet to take over maintenance 
of DLF phases 1-3. In its latest submission to the Punjab and Haryana high court, MCG said it lacks funds and manpower to maintain these colonies.
The case, filed by the Gurgaon Citizens Council, was to be heard on Monday but it could not take place and the next date was given for Feb 4.
"It is most respectfully submitted that the colonies in question cover an area of approximately 1,500 acres. Details of infrastructure have to be added. It is respectfully submitted that in 
its current state, the MCG does not have the manpower or finances to remove the deficiencies and thereafter maintain the said colonies in perpetuity," MCG said in its response to the 
HC.
The MCG submitted that the said colonies can only be taken over if the developer provides the necessary expenditure to the corporation to undertake the necessary works regarding 
deficiencies and maintenance.
The DTCP first issued written orders in 2016 directing MCG to take over the maintenance of DLF phases 1-3. These orders were reiterated by the CM in 2017 and 2019. However, the 
corporation failed to act.
What is particularly striking is that MCG has taken over the maintenance of other colonies developed by private builders such as Suncity, Sushant Lok, Palam Vihar, South City, 
Nirvana Country and Malibu Town during the same period. This raises serious questions about the reasons for the prolonged delay in taking over DLF phases 1-3, which span 1,500 
acres. In May 2024, the HC directed the MCG to file a status report on the issue. In its response, MCG's executive engineer Sanjeev Kumar said that the corporation does not have 
the resources to maintain the large colony unless DLF Limited or the DTCP provides financial assistance.

On the other hand, DLF has linked the takeover to the issuance of a completion certificate. DLF applied for the certificate in 2022, but it has yet to be granted the same, creating 
another layer of bureaucratic delay. Vice president and head, facility management, DLF City, Nitya Mohan said, "The MCG is not adequately prepared to manage a residential colony 
of this scale. There is no scope of work, request for proposal (RFP) for facility management, or manpower assessment in place. Existing colonies under MCG's care are in distress, 
highlighting inefficiencies. While DLF has repaired infrastructure as per the DPR, ensuring residents' convenience remains a priority."
He said that the takeover of DLF phases I, II and III should only occur post-grant of completion certificates and through systematic SOPs, including RFPs for 24/7 facility operations, to 
avoid compromising service quality and residents' comfort. This prolonged inaction has fueled allegations of a nexus between MCG officials and DLF. Activists argue such a delay 
benefits the builder while depriving residents of basic services and infrastructure maintenance under public accountability. As the HC gears up to hear the matter, all eyes are on if the 
judiciary will push for accountability or whether it will add to the list of governance failures.


Source : Time of India