New Delhi: More than 30 residents of Windsor Park Society in Ghaziabad’s Vaibhav Khand protested against alleged short-term rentals operating inside the residential society, raising slogans such as “this is not a hotel” and “no Airbnb.”
The residents gathered at Gate No. 1 of the society, protesting against the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA), alleging that it had failed to take action against flats being rented out on an hourly basis in two towers of the society. They claimed that the frequent entry of outsiders was creating security concerns.
The residents also submitted a joint complaint to several authorities, including the District Magistrate, Police Commissioner, Nagar Nigam and the Tourism Department last week.
“It has come to our notice that some residential flats in Tower A & B are being rented out to outsiders for a few hours, a day, or for a very short period through Airbnb and other online platforms,” the letter states. It also named the society’s president and secretary in connection with the allegations.
“It has also come to our notice that such activities are being conducted or encouraged by some persons associated with the present President of RWA, Reena Patnaik, and Secretary, Vineet Garg,” the letter added.
“Random people are entering the society at any time, and beer bottles are being found in the common areas,” alleged Shweta Singh, 42, a resident of the society.
Soon after the protest began on Sunday, police also reached the spot to control the commotion, and an investigation has been initiated.
“There is no official complaint yet, and we are still looking into the matter,” said a police officer from Indirapuram Police Station.
Residents further alleged that some flats were being rented on a daily or hourly basis and were being used for late-night parties and gambling. They also claimed that some rooms were being booked by couples for short stays.
The complaint primarily concerns studio apartments in Towers A and B, which together have around 270 flats. Of these, more than 50 flats are being used as Airbnb-style accommodations, residents claimed.
“People enter the society to use these rooms and can be seen using common amenities such as the tennis court and even the swimming pool,” alleged another resident, requesting anonymity.
“The RWA is involved in all this. Otherwise, how are outsiders being allowed to use facilities meant only for residents? These properties are also being advertised online. Who is giving permission for this?,” the resident further alleged.
Residents added that such commercial activity has been taking place for some time, but alleged that security concerns and the movement of outsiders into the society have increased over the past five to six months. They claimed that the RWA has been neglecting the complaints.
However, RWA Secretary Vineet Garg refuted the allegations, saying that the association had not received any complaints regarding security concerns or such rental activities. He also alleged that many of those participating in the protest were former RWA office-bearers.
“Most of the protesters are former RWA office-bearers who have lost in the previous election and are doing this only to oppose the current RWA and portray it negatively,” Garg said.
He said that some of the flats are used as homestays, while others are occupied by tenants, as the owners do not reside in the society.
“No complaints have been made by residents regarding any security issues. Entry to Towers A and B is through a completely different gate,” Garg said. “Even the government is promoting homestays, so why can’t these flats be used as homestays?”
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RWA v/s Residents
For residents, the movement of unknown people in the society has become a major concern for families living there.
“We can’t take a walk inside our society in the evening or at night, as random men can be seen wandering around and staring at residents. Our children can’t go outside, especially near Towers A and B,” said another resident.
The protesters also questioned the functioning of RWA President Reena Patnaik and Secretary Vineet Garg. They said that commercial rental activities were being encouraged through alleged collusion between some individuals associated with the RWA and property operators.
“The RWA is definitely involved; otherwise, why are they not listening to residents and taking action when complaints are made?” alleged Amit Khera, another resident who has been living in the society since 2010. “Over the last two years, this commercialisation has increased at an alarming pace without considering the security of the society.”
The protesters demanded an investigation into flats allegedly operating without the required registration and police character certificates under the Uttar Pradesh Homestay and B&B Policy 2025. They also called for appropriate action if violations were found.
However, Garg said that if a complaint was received against any flat along with concrete evidence, and police action was required, the RWA’s cooperation, the association would provide full support.
“The police and the investigation will determine what is illegal, and we will cooperate with the police, as we are also concerned about the security of the society,” Garg added.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)