Noida Authority to Launch Enforcement Division

To ensure the effective operation of this newly formed enforcement division, the authority is planning to recruit a new team of officials. These officials will have the sole responsibility of upholding the city's urban planning and construction standards.

This decision was reached during the 210th board meeting held on Sunday, where the authority collectively agreed to create this new enforcement branch. The subsequent steps involve a careful selection process for key officials, including revenue officers, assistant managers, and support staff.

Officials have indicated that the primary focus of this enforcement team will be to address violations of building regulations within residential complexes, such as apartments and bungalows. Additionally, the team will actively handle cases of encroachment on government-owned land.

Satish Pal, the additional chief executive officer of the Noida authority, remarked, "Our commitment lies in establishing the enforcement division in accordance with the regulations stipulated during the board meeting."

In an audit report, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) emphasized that land encroachers have unlawfully taken over 45.26 square meters of government land, resulting in financial losses to the state treasury.

Currently, residents frequently lodge complaints, both online and offline, with the authority, alleging violations of building bylaws by property owners since 2010. Instances of encroachment on government-owned land are also reported. These cases are presently managed by the regular staff of the land department, civil engineering wing, or the group housing department, which already have other responsibilities such as approving building plans and overseeing ownership transfers.

Officials have acknowledged that complainants often do not receive satisfactory responses or actions in cases of building code violations and land encroachment. However, with the establishment of a dedicated enforcement team, these cases will be handled more effectively.

The Noida authority aims to onboard approximately 44 personnel for this initiative. This will include five revenue officials, six legal officers, and six revenue officers (Lekhpal) from the state government, as these positions cannot be outsourced. Additionally, assistant managers, junior engineers, and support staff will be recruited through outsourcing, with the assistance of private companies on a contractual basis, to bolster the team.

Lokesh M, the chief executive officer of the Noida authority, stated, "Considering the staff shortage, we have obtained approvals from the state government."

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