Chintels Paradiso Tower A Declared Unsafe as Structural Audit Uncovers Severe Damage

The Chintels Paradiso residential condominium in Gurugram, Sector 109, has made headlines once again as a fresh audit has revealed that Tower A is now unsafe for habitation. This finding, which comes after several other towers in the complex were declared unfit, has raised significant concerns among residents, authorities, and the builder. The audit, conducted by the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), found that the tower suffers from severe structural damage due to high chloride content and corrosion, recommending its demolition.

Background of the Chintels Paradiso Incident

Chintels Paradiso was initially considered a premium residential project in Gurugram, aimed at offering luxury living in a fast-developing region. However, a tragic incident in February 2022 at Tower D shook the residents and raised alarms about the overall safety of the complex. The collapse of a portion of a sixth-floor apartment led to the death of two residents and triggered the authorities to order a structural audit of the entire condominium. This audit revealed alarming deficiencies in several of the towers, leading to a recommendation for demolition in most cases.

Findings of the Latest Audit: Tower A

The October 2024 audit of Tower A by the CBRI has provided detailed insights into the structural issues plaguing the building. According to the report, Tower A has a high chloride content, which has caused severe corrosion of the reinforcement steel. This corrosion has led to the failure of numerous structural elements, putting the entire building at risk. Despite appearing in relatively better visual condition compared to other towers, the audit concluded that the structural damage is beyond repair. The report stated that retrofitting the building would not be cost-effective and recommended demolition to ensure human safety.

The CBRI’s findings were submitted to the district administration for further action, and the final decision will be taken in an upcoming meeting of the district probe committee. The Chintels Paradiso Residential Welfare Association (RWA), however, has expressed dissatisfaction with the findings, arguing that Tower A, along with Tower C, appears to be in a condition that does not warrant such drastic action.

The Extent of Damage in Chintels Paradiso Complex

With the latest audit, eight of the nine towers in the Chintels Paradiso complex have now been declared unsafe. Towers D, E, F, G, and H were the first to be labeled as unsafe following the collapse in Tower D in 2022. Subsequent inspections by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi confirmed the need for demolition of these towers. By early 2024, Towers J and C were also deemed unfit, with experts recommending demolition. Now, with Tower A also added to the list, only Tower B remains to be evaluated, with its audit report expected in the coming weeks.

This steady stream of towers being labeled uninhabitable has left residents in a state of constant uncertainty and worry. Many had invested their life savings into purchasing flats in Chintels Paradiso, and the ongoing safety concerns have significantly impacted the financial and emotional well-being of the residents.

Compensation and Reconstruction Plans

In response to the audits, Chintels India Ltd, the developer, has announced plans to compensate affected flat owners. According to JN Yadav, Vice President of Chintels India Ltd, residents of Tower A who are required to vacate will be offered either financial compensation or the option to have their flats reconstructed. He also added that for those opting for reconstruction, rental support will be provided from January 2024 until the completion of the new flats.

The builder has faced considerable criticism for the slow pace of addressing safety concerns and compensating residents. While Chintels India Ltd has assured flat owners that claims will be settled on a priority basis, many remain skeptical, especially given the complexity of rebuilding such a large condominium. The additional cost for reconstruction has been a point of contention, with some residents opposing the ₹1000 per sq. ft. payment required for those opting for reconstruction.

Residents’ Concerns and RWA’s Response

The Chintels Paradiso RWA has been vocal in its dissatisfaction with how the situation is being handled. Rakesh Hooda, President of the RWA, stated that the audit reports appear to be drafted with the intention of declaring structures unsafe, without considering the real condition of the buildings. He mentioned that Towers A and C are in relatively good condition and that residents are concerned the audit findings may lead to unnecessary demolitions. The RWA has pledged to work closely with the administration to ensure residents’ demands are met and has advised flat owners not to panic.

Future of Chintels Paradiso

As it stands, the future of Chintels Paradiso remains uncertain. The findings of the structural audits have drastically altered the perception of safety within the complex. While Tower B’s audit is still pending, the likelihood that it too will be declared unsafe looms large. For the affected residents, this has been an ordeal that has not only resulted in financial losses but has also eroded their confidence in the real estate sector’s safety standards.

The district administration, along with technical experts and the developer, now faces the challenge of ensuring that affected residents are compensated fairly and that reconstruction is carried out efficiently. The situation also underscores the importance of stringent safety regulations and regular inspections in the construction industry to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Whether Chintels Paradiso will rise again as a safe and habitable complex remains to be seen.