Faridabad industrial plot applicants decry e-auction, demand justice
Fifty-two applicants who sought industrial plots in a designated zone for electroplating and dyeing units in Faridabad back in 2004 are now dejected after the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) decided to auction the vacant plots through an e-auction platform. The applicants are urging the state government to pause the auction until their long-standing grievances are resolved.
“The failure to resolve this issue for over 20 years highlights serious governance lapses. The matter has been raised five times in the district grievance redressal committee in the past two years, but even directions from former Chief Minister Manohar Lal have been ignored,” alleged Ravinder Vashisht, an entrepreneur and one of the applicants. He said despite completing all formalities, including depositing 10% of the booking amount, the department neither allotted nor cancelled their applications.
Calling the auction move “unjustified,” Vashisht expressed the applicants’ frustration. “This has caused us immense pain as we have been denied our rightful due,” he said.
According to Sanjiv Aggarwal, another applicant, the base auction price has been set at Rs 70,000 per sq mt, compared to Rs 2,500 per sq mt in 2004. “This new rate is highly unaffordable and two to three times higher than rates prevailing just a year ago,” he said, adding that applicants have suffered significant harassment and business losses due to the delay.
The issue dates back to a 2004 directive from the Supreme Court, which ordered over 200 units operating in unauthorised areas to relocate to Sector 58, the only authorised zone for electroplating and dyeing units in the city. This sector features essential infrastructure like a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) to manage industrial waste and curb pollution.
“The delay in allotment has exacerbated pollution problems, as many units continue to operate in unauthorised areas. This has also led to encroachments, garbage dumping and significant revenue loss for the government,” said environmental activist Narender Sirohi.
SK Kataria, Estate Manager, HSIIDC, defended the e-auction, stating it is being conducted under the unified policy of the state government. “The government has instructed the HSVP to refund the booking amount with interest to applicants from 2004. Anyone is free to participate in the auction process,” he said.
