MahaRERA Directs Paranjape Schemes to Ensure Safe, Potable Water Supply at Happiness Hub Varve Project
Regulatory Order on Water Supply
MahaRERA has directed Paranjape Schemes to ensure adequate, safe and potable drinking water and sufficient water for essential domestic requirements at its Happiness Hub Varve project located on Satara Road, Pune. The order came in response to housing societies alleging that residents had been facing inadequate and poor-quality water supply since taking possession.
Residents' Grievances
Residents sought a permanent water supply arrangement and ₹15 lakh in compensation, along with legal expenses. The complaints centred on the critical gap between contracted amenities and actual service delivery at the project, which comprises 1181 units spread over 25 acres.
Developer's Position and Authority's Response
Paranjape Schemes had argued that under the terms of its agreements with residents, responsibility for water supply rested with local planning authorities. The developer stated it had arranged alternative water sources, including wells and a water body, installed water-treatment facilities, and relied on an agreement with Varve Gram Panchayat, under which the local authority had undertaken responsibility for basic amenities, including water supply.
MahaRERA rejected this position. The authority observed that an arrangement existing on paper could not resolve residents' grievance if the actual water available at the project was inadequate or unsafe. The authority noted that water is an essential requirement for habitation and a basic service necessary for the safe occupation of residential premises.
Compliance Requirements
The developer has been directed to ensure appropriate treatment of drinking water and submit a water-quality test report from a competent or accredited laboratory within 30 days of the order. Paranjape Schemes must augment the existing water-supply arrangements to cater to residents who have already taken possession as well as those who may take possession in the future, with the arrangement to be maintained until an adequate and regular water supply becomes available.
Failure to comply with the directions will attract a penalty under Section 63 of the RERA Act. No directions were issued against Varve Gram Panchayat or PMRDA in the proceedings.
About the Developer
Paranjape Schemes was established in 1987 and has developed a diverse portfolio including residential, commercial, hospitality, and SEZ projects. The company has completed over 190 projects and built over 30,000 homes across Pune, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, and Bengaluru.