Illegal additions to houses rampant but no crackdown: Noida RWAs
NOIDA: Illegal extensions and additions to houses and apartments, which encroach on common areas through temporary or permanent constructions, are rampant in the city’s sectors, gated colonies and condominiums, but there’s hardly any action taken against them, residents groups complain.
On Monday, as bulldozers razed allegedly illegal portions of political functionary and businessman Shrikant Tyagi’s house at a housing society in Sector 93B, several RWAs asked if the Noida Authority would use this as an example and show consistency in acting against encroachments.
Rajiva Singh, president of the Noida Federation of Apartment Owners’ Association (NOFAA), said, “It is the most common problem existing in every society. The RWA or the AOA has a very limited role. It tries to enforce norms but hardly gets success. In such a scenario, it is Noida Authority’s responsibility to enforce rules. For this, the Authority should hold regular joint meetings with AOA and police where such issues can be discussed and a solution can be found.”
Sanjeev Kumar, general secretary of the Sector 51 RWA, said, “Like in Tyagi’s case, encroachments by other residents should also be demolished. The Noida Authority does not take any action until it is a high-profile case or the matter is highlighted in the media. In general, there is a lack of follow-up action by the Noida Authority. After issuing the first notice, officials generally do not issue a second notice.”
At Tyagi’s society, officials said the Noida Authority had issued notices to over 200 residents to remove illegal constructions. Ground floor encroachments are the most common with illegal additions being made in the backyards, turning common areas into private gardens with even swings installed and chairs and tables kept there.
Noida Authority officials said it was impossible for them to keep an eye on every flat. CEO Ritu Maheshwari said, “The Authority conducts an inspection at the time of issuing completion certificates. Illegal constructions are mainly done after residents start living in their flats. With lakhs of flats in private builder societies, the Authority can’t check every house after issuing completion certificates.”
She added, “Action is generally taken after we receive complaints. The Authority tries to enforce norms as much as possible. The issue generally comes to light after two groups come face to face.”