Chintels Paradiso: Authorities Order Evacuation of Three Towers in 15 Days

The Gurugram district administration has directed residents of Towers A, B, and C in the Chintels Paradiso condominium to vacate their flats within 15 days, as per the order issued on March 20, 2025. This decision follows a structural report by the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), which found the buildings unsafe for habitation. The order was issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Chintels Paradiso, located in Sector 109 near Dwarka Expressway, consists of nine residential towers. Structural concerns about the project first surfaced on February 10, 2022, when a ceiling collapse in a sixth-floor flat of Tower D triggered a cascading effect, causing multiple floors to cave in. Two residents lost their lives in the incident. In response, the Haryana Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) initiated a full structural audit of the complex.

Following the audit, six towers—D, E, F, G, H, and J—were declared unsafe, and the developer received approval to demolish them. Further investigations led to CBRI's assessment of Towers A, B, and C, which were also found structurally compromised. In February 2025, the administration approved the CBRI findings, leading to the latest evacuation order.

Official Directives and Enforcement Measures

Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar issued the evacuation notice, citing an immediate need to prevent potential harm to life and property. The administration instructed residents to vacate and hand over possession of their flats to Chintels India Pvt Ltd within 15 days.

To ensure compliance, the district town planner (enforcement) has been appointed as the nodal officer and duty magistrate. Authorities have stated that police assistance will be available if necessary. The administration has warned that any non-compliance will attract legal action under Section 223 of the Indian Justice Code, 2023, and Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Concerns Raised by Residents

The sudden evacuation order has caused distress among residents, who argue that they were not consulted before the directive was issued. The Chintels Paradiso Residents Welfare Association (RWA) has strongly opposed the move, citing the lack of clarity on relocation plans and compensation.

RWA president Rakesh Hooda criticized the decision, stating that while the order directs residents to vacate within 15 days, it does not address key concerns such as rent reimbursement, temporary accommodation, or financial compensation. He pointed out that 150 families currently reside in the 192 flats across the three towers, and many are uncertain about where they will relocate within the given timeframe.

The RWA has called for an urgent meeting to discuss its response and explore legal options. Residents have also urged the administration to engage in discussions and provide more structured rehabilitation plans.

Developer’s Response and Future Steps

Chintels India Ltd has stated its willingness to comply with the administration’s directives. A company spokesperson reiterated the developer's commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and urged them to vacate their flats promptly. The spokesperson further added that the developer will fully cooperate in executing the evacuation and subsequent demolition of the towers.

With the evacuation deadline approaching, the district administration is expected to oversee the process and ensure that all residents comply with the order. The demolition of all nine towers will mark the complete shutdown of Chintels Paradiso as a residential project. This development raises serious concerns about construction quality and regulatory oversight in high-rise housing projects in Gurugram.

The evacuation and demolition of an entire residential complex are rare occurrences, highlighting deeper issues in the real estate sector. Experts suggest that the Chintels Paradiso case underscores the need for stricter quality control measures during construction and more stringent structural audits for high-rise buildings.

Residents are expected to continue negotiations regarding compensation and alternative housing arrangements. Legal challenges may arise, with affected homeowners seeking redress for financial losses. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.

Image source- chintels.com