As plaster chunks fall at Noida-built flats, close calls & maintenance question
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Although no one was injured, it was the second such incident in the society built just 16 years ago in six months. On Jan 23, a chunk of plaster fell on the car of Pradeep Saxena, a resident of Block L, shattering its roof, window and shield. On July 15, the wall plaster came off the building in Block 16.
Over the last few months, there have been several similar incidents where residents narrowly escaped injury due to plaster falls, causing widespread fear within the community.
Despite numerous complaints, both written and oral, addressed to the Authority, residents claim no action has been taken. The society RWA said anyone could have been injured and demands accountability, along with immediate and permanent repairs from the civic body.
Narottam Sharma, RWA president of Sector 99 LIG Flats, said, "Noida Authority is taking this issue very casually. Approximately 70 flats' leases have already been cancelled, and they are now under the charge of the authority.
These flats are locked and in a dilapidated condition. So, they are responsible for any injury or accident caused by these plaster falls from their flats." He demanded immediate inspections of all blocks within 48 hours and the prompt removal of any dangling plaster.
The sentiment was echoed by Mohinder Singh, RWA general secretary of Sector 40, who criticised the authority for its lack of oversight. "They appear to be in sleep mode.
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There is an urgent need to improve working conditions and accountability from the top down." Although the majority of owners have renovated the Janta flats of F block with additional construction, Singh said that they have outlived their age and are not safe for living.
"Noida Authority should build multi-storeyed flats with open spaces so that owners can live safely with modern amenities," said Singh.
There were several incidents of plaster collapse in older complexes located in sectors 99, 40, 71, 105, and 119, as well.
DGM (Noida Authority) Vijay Rawal told TOI that as per the lease deed, the flat owners have to rectify these types of issues. "Once the authority hands over the building or a flat, its maintenance becomes the responsibility of the residents or AOA or concerned RWA after one year of handover. Just like any other builder apartments, any flats made by the authority are under authority supervision for only one year post-handover.
After that, the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of all such buildings or flats is the responsibility of the concerned area RWA residents or AOA," said Rawal.
Meanwhile, Noida Authority introduced a redevelopment policy for old residential buildings, offering homeowners larger apartments with at least a 15% increase in carpet area and free new flats, alongside temporary housing or rent during reconstruction on June 14. This policy is applicable to buildings that are over 30 years old or those declared structurally unsafe. Redevelopment requires consent from 70% of leasehold residents.
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