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Housing projects built under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in Vadodara are facing structural and maintenance-related deterioration, with residents reporting worsening living conditions across multiple sites. Constructed between the mid-2000s and early 2010s for economically weaker sections, over 21,000 units have been impacted by issues such as seepage, faulty drainage, and falling plaster. Concerns have intensified following incidents of structural damage, including one fatality linked to falling ceiling material. While the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) maintains that core structures remain safe, residents and activists have questioned construction quality and upkeep. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in the long-term sustainability and maintenance of public housing projects across Indian cities.
Several housing projects developed under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in Vadodara are witnessing deteriorating conditions, with residents raising concerns over safety, construction quality, and long-term habitability. Advertisement
The units, constructed by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) under the Basic Services for the Urban Poor (BSUP) scheme between 2005–06 and 2013–14, were intended to provide formal housing to economically weaker sections. Allotments began around 2010; however, residents reported issues within a few years of occupancy, including water seepage, damaged overhead tanks, and drainage deficiencies.
Over 21,000 dwelling units were developed under the scheme, with several clusters located in areas such as Kishanwadi, Jambuva, and Jivannagar. In these locations, construction flaws have been cited as a key factor behind recurring problems. In some cases, rainwater outlet pipes were positioned above floor level, leading to water accumulation and accelerated structural wear.
The condition of these buildings has worsened over time. Incidents involving falling ceiling plaster have raised safety concerns, including cases reported in recent years where residents were injured and one fatality was recorded. These developments have intensified scrutiny of the structural integrity and maintenance practices associated with the housing schemes.
The VMC has maintained that the core structural framework of the buildings remains sound, attributing the deterioration largely to seepage and lack of regular maintenance by occupants. Officials indicated that issues such as water leakage from bathrooms and terraces, if not addressed, contribute significantly to plaster damage and visible degradation. The civic body has periodically issued notices to residents regarding upkeep responsibilities.
However, residents and local activists have contested this position, arguing that construction deficiencies and design flaws are central to the problem. They have pointed to recurring complaints across multiple sites, suggesting that the issues are not isolated but indicative of broader gaps in execution and quality control during project delivery.
Officials have clarified that not all JNNURM housing projects in the city are affected, with several schemes reportedly in relatively better condition. Complaints have been concentrated in specific pockets, although the scale of affected units remains significant given the size of the programme.
The situation in Vadodara reflects wider concerns around the lifecycle management of public housing assets in India. While large-scale schemes such as JNNURM have improved access to formal housing, post-construction maintenance, resident participation, and quality assurance continue to pose challenges.
As urban local bodies expand affordable housing programmes, the Vadodara experience underscores the need for stronger oversight during construction, as well as structured maintenance frameworks to ensure long-term durability and liveability of such developments.
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