Latest news with #UPIndustrialAreaDevelopmentAct
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Turning Noida into metropolitan council will need change in law
Noida: Were UP govt to consider a structural makeover for replacing Noida Authority with a metropolitan council, as the Supreme Court has directed it to do, it would have to bring in an amendment to the UP Industrial Area Development Act, 1976, under which New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida) was created. Such a change will, however, be complex and protracted, requiring extensive consultations and hinge largely on the state's political will, former officials said. Supreme Court on Wednesday asked UP govt to consider replacing the industrial development authority with a metropolitan council for people-centric governance. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida | Gold Rates Today in Noida | Silver Rates Today in Noida The direction was based on findings of an SC-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT), which delivered a stinging report into the Authority's functioning, flagging, among other things, decision-making centralised in the hands of a few officers, land allotment policies favouring builders and a lack of transparency. The SIT, led by IPS officer SB Shiradkar, found Noida officers involved in 20 cases of excess compensation to landowners and recommended a probe into the assets of officials and their relatives. It also found the absence of processes for public consultation and environmental impact assessments, along with delays and inadequate grievance redressal. Accepting the recommendations, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi directed the UP chief secretary to place the proposal for converting Noida into a metropolitan council before the council of ministers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The 5 Books Warren Buffett Recommends You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Until a decision is taken, the court ordered the appointment of a chief vigilance officer in Noida, to be an IPS officer or a CAG officer on deputation, for financial audit. The bench also ordered the formation of a Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) within four weeks and banned the implementation of any project in Noida without environmental clearance from the SC's green bench. Under the 1970 Act, UP govt is empowered to nominate five members to the Noida Authority's board, a provision that allows direct citizen representation. However, over the successive years, none of the industrial development authorities in the state has implemented it. Deodatta Sharma, chairman and CEO of Noida Authority between 2004-2005, told TOI that Noida Authority was originally formed in 1976 to shift industries from Delhi and decongest the capital. "However, over the years, Noida evolved into more of a residential and commercial hub. Currently, all land under the Noida Authority is on lease, and it charges lease rent either annually or for the full tenure to maintain and develop infrastructure for the city," Sharma said. "With the SC expressing concern over transparency and public participation, the state can get a study done to identify the best practices worldwide and incorporate them here," Sharma added. Brijesh Kumar, who also served as CEO of Noida Authority for a short period, said while the state or the Noida Authority board can form a citizen advisory board through an administrative order, setting up a metropolitan council would require amendments to Industrial Area Act. In the early 2000s, he said, Greater Noida had set up a neighbourhood council for CEOs to interact with residents for suggestions and feedback. "The practice, however, did not last for long," he said. Kumar said it is for the state to decide how much administrative or financial power such a council can enjoy. "The industrial authorities, being autonomous, can retain core operations, but such a council could bring more public participation," Kumar, also a former chairman and CEO of Greater Noida (1998-2002), added. Between 1966 and 1990, Delhi metropolitan council had functioned as the deliberative wing of the Delhi administration, with positions such as leader of the house, leader of the opposition, whips, and presiding officers, but without full legislative powers. Alok Singh of Active Citizen Forum, residents have long been demanding representation on the Authority's board. "Citizens are never consulted on what the city needs. Instead, projects are imposed on us, many of which prove useless. Residents are connected to the ground and know the city's needs better." Since 2022, the forum has written to the Greater Noida Authority on several occasions seeking an authority-citizen committee and urged that the model be adopted by all industrial authorities in the state. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. 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Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Law allows citizen representation on Noida board, but never used
Noida: The Supreme Court's direction to Noida to appoint a citizen advisory board (CAB) was greeted by city residents as a necessary step, while others pointed out that the ruling renews attention on an existing law that allows the govt to nominate members to a development authority's board. Under UP Industrial Area Development Act, 1976, which governs bodies like the Noida Authority, the state govt is empowered to nominate five members to the authority's board. In theory, this would allow direct citizen participation in decision-making, but, in practice, the clause has never been implemented. Officials have consistently cited "privacy concerns" and "obstacles" that such nominees could create in the functioning of the authorities as reasons for keeping citizens out. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida | Gold Rates Today in Noida | Silver Rates Today in Noida But SC's Wednesday order directing creation of a CAB in four weeks has revived focus on the issue. Former UP chief secretary and founder-chairman of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), Yogendra Narain, told TOI that bringing citizens into the fold was not a difficult task. "This demand has been raised by citizens from time to time, but it was never implemented. It is not very difficult to implement if the govt agrees to it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A Teaspoon Before Bed Burns Body Fat - Fit Into Your Clothes Again! gofitlifeguide Click Here Undo It is the officials who never want this and always oppose the move. The state govt can nominate citizens to the authority board itself, and citizens' participation can be ensured once the CAB is formed," Narain said. Locals also view CAB as a chance to bridge the disconnect between the Noida Authority and the people it is supposed to serve. PPS Nagar, former president of the Noida Bar Association, pointed out that gram panchayat elections were abolished in the city in 2015, leaving residents without any formal representation. "In this condition, many areas remained neglected," he said, urging the govt to include RWA members and experts on the board. KK Jain, general secretary of the Federation of Noida RWAs, too welcomed the court's order. "Residents face many problems related to civic issues, water, power and roads. Suggestions are often ignored. With an advisory board, representation will be stronger and issues can be addressed in a time-bound manner," he said. The bench, comprising justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, stressed that a CAB was essential to restore transparency, fairness and public trust in Noida's governance. Lawyer Kumar Mihir, who has been representing homebuyers in Supreme Court cases, said, "Red-tapism is rampant in the authority. The formation of CAB will not only bring transparency but also fix accountability. It would be the first time citizens have a formal, statutory voice within the Noida Authority — a move residents and experts believe is long overdue." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Noida's big crackdown: Extend your balcony or fence authority land, and you could lose your plot
Residents in parts of Noida who have been extending balconies, adding extra rooms, or fencing off Noida Authority land could soon lose their plots if they ignore repeated warnings. As per a TOI report, the Noida Authority has decided to cancel plot allotments for owners who continue with encroachments despite receiving two notices under Section 10 of the UP Industrial Area Development Act . Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Earlier on Friday, CEO Lokesh M instructed officials to paste notices directly on the properties if the owners don't accept them, so no one can later claim they didn't know. In a review meeting with department heads, he also ordered asset departments to keep detailed records of all notices issued and regularly check if owners comply. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest A senior official said, 'Encroachments, whether in residential or commercial properties, will not be tolerated. If an allottee still ignores the second notice, we will cancel their allotment.' Encroachment Issues Delay Development The meeting also discussed how land occupation is delaying road construction in several sectors. Departments have been told to coordinate between the bhulekh (land records) and civil teams to resolve such problems quickly. Live Events Encroachment is not just a problem in housing colonies, it is seen in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The most common violations include balcony extensions , building extra rooms, and fencing into Authority land. Bhangel Elevated Road Work to Speed Up For the Bhangel Elevated Road project , the CEO ordered that road construction and drainage work under the elevated stretch be completed quickly. He asked for a separate report on pending work such as road surfacing, drainage, and box culverts. He also said drainage and rainwater harvesting along the route should start next week, with proper lighting and footpaths on approach roads. The Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation Limited has already handed over the upper carriageway to the Authority and requested funds for the remaining work. Cleanliness, Cattle, and Waterlogging The CEO reviewed Noida's cleanliness and ordered the immediate removal of stray cattle from roads to gaushalas. The horticulture department was told to prevent soil from central verges spilling onto roads. While discussing waterlogging, officials identified poor culvert cleaning and uneven drain levels as the main causes. Inputs from TOI
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Plots still encroached? Noida says will cancel allotments
Noida: Residents in several parts of Noida who have been extending balconies, building extra rooms, or fencing off Authority land may soon lose their plots if they continue to ignore repeated warnings. Noida Authority has decided to cancel the allotment of plots whose owners persist with encroachments despite two rounds of notices under Section 10 of the UP Industrial Area Development Act. CEO Lokesh M on Friday directed the officials to paste the notices directly on the property if they are not received by allottees. This is done to ensure that "no one can claim ignorance". The Authority CEO, during a review meeting with department heads, instructed the officials of the asset departments to compile and maintain detailed records of notices issued for encroachments and monitor compliance regularly. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida A senior official said, "Encroachments — whether in residential or commercial properties — will not be tolerated. If an allottee fails to comply even after a second Section 10 notice, we will proceed with the cancellation of allotment." The meeting also discussed the issue of land occupation delaying road construction in several sectors. Departments have been told to "resolve such issues through coordination" between the bhulekh (land records) and civil departments. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Drink This Before Bed – Melt Belly Fat And Flush Out Toxins Vitalgethealth Click Here Undo Encroachment is not limited to housing colonies. Violations are reported across categories — residential, commercial and industrial. The most common include balcony extensions, additional rooms and boundaries cutting into Authority land. Bhangel & other projects As regards the Bhangel Elevated Road project, the CEO ordered the officials to complete the construction of the road and drain beneath the elevated stretch quickly. A detailed report on pending works — such as road surfacing, drainage and box culverts — must be submitted separately, he said. The CEO said the work on drainage and water harvesting along the route should start by next week and approach roads should have proper lighting and pedestrian-friendly footpaths. Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation Limited recently handed over the upper carriageway to the Authority and sought funds for works under the elevated road. Reviewing Noida's cleanliness and maintenance issues, the CEO ordered the immediate removal of stray cattle from roads to gaushalas. The horticulture department was told to stop soil from central verges spilling onto roads. While discussing the waterlogging issue, the Authority identified poor culvert cleaning and uneven drain invert levels as the main causes. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New policy may allow owners of old flats bigger homes for free in Noida
Noida: Noida Authority has unveiled a redevelopment policy that promises to transform old and deteriorating housing societies into contemporary living spaces. The policy, approved on June 14, offers existing homeowners larger apartments with a minimum 15% increase in carpet area along with temporary accommodation for the period when reconstruction will take place. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Officials said the policy involved residential buildings that were over 30 years old or those declared structurally unsafe by recognised engineering institutions like IITs and NITs. With over 115 private housing projects and numerous Authority-built complexes now showing signs of wear, the policy comes at a crucial time for the city's urban renewal. Under the new framework, redevelopment can be initiated only after securing 70% consent from leasehold residents. Original flat owners will receive newly constructed units free of cost, with developers either providing temporary accommodation or monthly rent during the construction period. Formed in 1976 under the UP Industrial Area Development Act, the Authority began multi-storey housing in 1981, leasing plots to private builders who followed the then-applicable building bylaws. The Authority also built low-rise housing for economically weaker sections on a leasehold basis. But poor maintenance caused many structures to develop seepage, leading to unsafe living conditions. While Apartment Owners' Associations (AOAs) often manage short-term tasks like painting, structural audits and retrofitting are often bypassed — leaving the buildings vulnerable to heavy rains or earthquakes. The redevelopment will cover four aspects — structural safety, improved amenities, environmental upgrades, and strict developer accountability. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now To make these projects financially viable, the Authority will allow developers an increased floor area ratio (FAR) of up to 2.75 from 1.5, which will enable them to build additional units and sell them to make up for the cost of development. The policy covers three categories of buildings — Authority-built projects like Mansarovar and Shatabdi Vihar in Sector 52, cooperative housing societies such as Rail Vihar and LIC Society, and other private developer projects. The selection of developers will vary in keeping with the projects. For instance, in societies developed by the Authority, developers will be chosen through a bidding process. But cooperative and private housing societies can appoint their own builders, provided they meet the eligibility criteria, which will involve a proven track record and financial stability. The policy mandates a tripartite agreement between the developer, Authority, and AOA, detailing provisions about the relocation of homeowners, carpet area entitlements, and project timelines. The developers must also register with Rera before selling additional units. Officials clarified that residents would not be asked to vacate homes until temporary rehabilitation or rent compensation was arranged for. Also, developers can sell additional flats only after original residents receive possession. "We have included strict accountability measures. Developers failing to meet deadlines or breaching agreements will face penalties, including blacklisting. A grievance redress cell will handle complaints about delays, quality issues, or reduced carpet area," an Authority official said. The Authority is planning to introduce a single-window system for approvals and will monitor the disbursement of rent for residents who would be relocated. The revamped societies will have modern amenities like EV charging stations, rainwater harvesting systems, and sewage treatment plants. To sweeten the deal, the Authority will propose waiving stamp duty and lease rent charges on the new lease deeds once the flats have been revamped.
