Over 1,400 SDS NRI Township Buyers Protest Builder’s Demand for Additional Farmers’ Compensation

NOIDA: Over 1,400 homebuyers of the SDS NRI Township in Sector 26A, located along the Yamuna Expressway, have launched a protest against the developer’s request for an additional 64.7% farmers' compensation, set at Rs 8,746 per sqm.

This demand from SDS Infracon is set to impose an unexpected financial burden of Rs 8-10 lakh on each buyer, despite most of them still not having legal possession of their plots in the 125-acre township even after more than a decade.

The issue stems from 2011, when the initial farmers' compensation was fixed at Rs 1,770 per sqm. However, the amount surged dramatically due to delayed payments by SDS Infracon, leading to accumulated interest and penalties on outstanding dues.

In a verdict on May 19, 2022, the Supreme Court upheld a demand by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) for additional compensation. Following this ruling, the developer insisted that plot buyers bear the extra cost, citing the terms of the sub-lease deed.

“The YEIDA has been pressing for the recovery of the additional compensation, but at an excessive rate, along with penal interest. Our numerous representations to YEIDA seeking relief are still under consideration,” read a letter addressed to buyers.

Out of the 1,400 affected buyers, only 500 managed to register their plots between 2011 and 2015, when YEIDA issued temporary and conditional completion certificates. The remaining 900 buyers have yet to secure registration. However, those with registered plots are also facing significant issues, as they are unable to start construction due to critical infrastructure deficiencies, including a lack of basic amenities such as water, electricity, and sewerage systems.

The General Secretary of the NRI Township Yamuna Plot Owners Association expressed frustration at the builder’s compensation demand, stating that their investments in the project have increased nearly fourfold. “This unjust demand reflects the builder’s utter disregard for the hardships of the buyers, while they remain unaccountable for the incomplete infrastructure,” he said.

The situation has been further exacerbated by YEIDA’s inconsistent policies regarding construction penalties. While fines were waived from 2017 to December 2022 due to infrastructure deficiencies, penalties were unexpectedly enforced in 2023. Although the waiver was reinstated in 2024, uncertainty surrounds the policy for 2025.

Additionally, the expired layout plan for the township, which has not been renewed since 2018, has further hindered even the registered buyers from getting approvals for their construction maps.

By LNN (Liyaans News Network)