Gurugram, Sept. 21 -- Union minister of state for planning and statistics Rao Inderjit Singh has directed strict action against residential and industrial projects flouting water conservation norms in Gurugram, warning that occupation certificates (OCs) of violators should be revoked if deficiencies are found, said officials. The directions were issued during a review meeting with officials of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), and Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). Singh said that while builders and industries show rainwater harvesting systems on paper to secure OCs, most fail to maintain them. "Projects cannot be allowed to ignore rules when Gurugram is heading towards a dark zone in terms of groundwater. Effective inspections are necessary to ensure compliance," he told officers, instructing them to conduct biannual inspections of housing societies, builder projects, and industrial units. Officials admitted during the meeting that rainwater harvesting pits are often installed only for display at the time of OC approval. Singh said such negligence was unacceptable and warned that penalties must be imposed on builders and industries failing to maintain water conservation measures. The minister also flagged complaints from residents' welfare associations (RWAs) about untreated sewage being released illegally by several residential and industrial projects. "Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are not being set up as required, and untreated wastewater is being discharged into open drains and tanks. This must stop, and strict action should be taken against such units," Singh said....