GHAZIABAD: Almost two weeks after the fire at Gaur Green Avenue on April 29, residents of the affected flats are considering legal action against the residents’ welfare association (RWA). They allege that unauthorized constructions obstructed emergency access and that fire safety systems were not adequately maintained.
Rajnish Kumar, an architect whose 11th-floor flat was destroyed, has contacted the chief minister’s office, district magistrate, and police commissioner, requesting an FIR against the RWA officials. He claims that illegal construction around the swimming pool area impeded fire tender access, letting the fire spread to upper floors.
“The fire started in Flat No. D-943. With proper fire safety measures and clear access for fire tenders, the fire could have been contained early,” reads his letter. He also pointed out that the society’s fire alarms were non-functional, the firefighting pipelines had low water pressure, and emergency equipment failed during the incident.
Kumar bought his flat last year for Rs 2.5 crore and estimates his losses—including furniture, documents, jewelry, and cash—at over Rs 2 crore. His family spent two weeks in a hotel before moving to rented accommodation in Vaishali.
He is calling for a judicial and fire safety inquiry, the removal of encroachments blocking emergency routes, an investigation into possible misuse of RWA funds, and compensation for affected families. Kumar mentioned that residents asked the RWA to demolish part of the pool wall during the fire, but permission was denied.
His demands come after a district administration inquiry submitted to DM Ravindra Kumar Mander on May 11, which noted unauthorized constructions, a blocked fire driveway, and inadequate fire safety measures that hindered rescue and firefighting efforts. However, the report found no evidence of conspiracy or deliberate arson and could not conclusively determine the fire’s cause.
Anurag Sharma, owner of flat 1045 also affected by the fire, stated he is awaiting the official inquiry report before pursuing legal action. “I’m only waiting for the report to be shared with us, after which I will take legal steps against the RWA,” said Sharma, who estimates his losses at over Rs 3 crore. Currently, he and his family are living in a vacant flat within the society.
Sharma shared that irreplaceable items, including a collection of signed cricket bats, were lost. He highlighted that the RWA holds an emergency fund of Rs 8 crore, gathered from maintenance fees, which residents believe should be used for renovations, yet no action has been taken.
The family of Kamal Paliwal, owner of flat D-943 where the fire allegedly started, is contesting the blame. Mitlesh Paliwal, the owner’s son, disputed the RWA’s claim that woodwork and a diya inside the flat caused the fire, labeling the allegation as defamatory. “We will take legal action against them,” he stated.
Mitesh confirmed that no renovations had been made to the flat recently, and they only visited it a week before the incident as they were preparing to move in.
“My 67-year-old father bought this flat with his retirement savings about five years ago, and now it’s completely destroyed. The losses are immeasurable, and to be blamed for the fire is unjust,” he expressed.
Mitesh is also awaiting the DM’s report for future legal steps.
RWA president Kunjesh Parihar claimed the association has not received any formal complaints from residents. “We are working to raise funds for affected residents to assist them. If some residents choose legal action, they may proceed. We can only respond once a written complaint is received,” he said.
Regarding the swimming pool wall, Parihar stated that its iron-and-fibre-sheet structure was originally part of the builder’s handover, approved in a general body meeting. He added that new regulations required a boundary wall. The RWA has requested a structural audit of the affected towers to ensure their safety.
RWA officials mentioned that efforts to remove obstructions within the society have begun to prevent similar incidents in the future.
