Luxury Living on the Edge: The Risks and Concerns of Flood-Prone Riverbank Homes
Despite severe flooding last year, demand for luxury homes near the Kaushalya dam remains high, but residents and experts raise concerns about environmental safety and risk mitigation measures.
Luxury HomesFlood Prone RiverbankKaushalya DamEnvironmental SafetyRisk MitigationPanchkulaKalkaReal Estate NewsJun 26, 2024
Despite the risks, residents are drawn to the area's natural beauty and proximity to the city. However, experts and residents are raising concerns about the environmental safety of the area. The construction of houses and buildings near the riverbank is altering the geography, and the government is being urged to implement risk mitigation measures.
Lt General KJ Singh (retd), a resident of the area, emphasized the need for the government to take action. 'First off, I would say that it is typically not part of Panchkula; it is part of the Kalka Municipal Corporation, which neither provides proper civic facilities nor intervenes to ensure basic necessities. With ongoing development altering the geography, the government should ensure at least river protection works and manage the river's flow. That's the least they can do for the residents,' he said.
Col BS Rangi, President of the Democrats Welfare Association of the Amravati Enclave Residents' Welfare Association (DWAAR), explained how the thought of the monsoon scares residents, making them feel disconnected from Panchkula. 'Connectivity is a major issue for all residents here. The narrow bridge that Amravati constructed to connect to the main highway is not fit for heavy traffic. When we were cut off for four months and had to take the Pinjore route, we realized the government had abandoned us,' Col Rangi said.
PEC Director Professor Baldev Setia stated that 'any construction obstructing the river's right of way should be avoided.' A retired chief engineer with the Irrigation Department also noted that the housing near the banks of the river needs a relook. 'There is something called the hitting zone of the stream. When you release water from the dam, it gushes through the hitting range. Carrying out activities in and near the hitting zone is very tricky because that kind of strata has sand and gravel,' he said.
The area has become the 'pricey outskirts' of the region, attracting major real estate developers. Despite environmental concerns and residents' issues, prices continue to rise, with 3 BHK flats selling for up to Rs 3.35 crore and plots costing over Rs 2.25 crore. However, villagers in the area are protesting against the construction of walls by private developers that virtually lock them in.
Experts and residents are calling for the government to take action to mitigate the risks associated with luxury living on the flood-prone riverbank. Will the government step in to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, or will the lure of big profits continue to drive development in the area?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the demand for luxury homes near the Kaushalya dam so high?
Despite the risks associated with living in a flood-prone area, residents are drawn to the area's natural beauty and proximity to the city.
What are the risks associated with living in this area?
The area is prone to flooding, and the construction of houses and buildings near the riverbank is altering the geography, making it more vulnerable to floods and landslides.
What are the government's responsibilities in this area?
The government is being urged to implement risk mitigation measures, including river protection works and managing the river's flow, to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
Why are villagers protesting against the construction of walls by private developers?
Villagers are protesting because the walls are obstructing their connectivity and taking over natural water spaces.
What are the prices of luxury homes in this area?
Prices of luxury homes in this area are extremely high, with 3 BHK flats selling for up to Rs 3.35 crore and plots costing over Rs 2.25 crore.
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