Noida residents have urged local MLA Pankaj Singh to intervene as they face repeated notices from the Noida Authority for minor alterations to their homes. The complaints stem from Section 10 of the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Area Development Act, which empowers the Authority to act against unauthorised constructions or modifications.
Residents argue that the rule, originally intended to prevent large-scale or commercial violations, is being misapplied to routine residential changes. In recent months, homeowners across older sectors such as 12, 22, 34, 51, and 71 have received notices for modifications including installing glazing in verandahs, adding doors, or constructing fences in backyards. Many of these residents claim that the changes were made for security or protection against weather, rather than as structural violations, and feel that the notices are excessive.
A delegation from Sector 22, led by Vijay Kumar Singh, president of the local residents’ welfare association, met MLA Pankaj Singh to raise their concerns. They highlighted that independent houses in Noida are frequently exposed to theft and extreme weather, and minor alterations are often necessary for safety and practical purposes.
The delegation emphasised that these were not illegal extensions but routine improvements that should not be subjected to punitive action. Residents also suggested that the Noida Authority introduce a regularisation policy for minor works, similar to practices followed by the Delhi Development Authority, which charges fees for additions or alterations to existing structures instead of penalising homeowners. Such a policy, they argue, would reduce unnecessary legal and financial burdens while maintaining oversight of building safety.
The impact of Section 10 notices has been felt across apartment complexes as well. For instance, residents of B-10 and B-10A Udaygiri apartments in Sector 34, each housing around 500 flats, have been asked to remove minor unauthorised constructions on their own. Failure to comply would result in demolition, with the associated costs to be borne by residents.
This approach has generated concern and anxiety among homeowners, many of whom argue that these notices target trivial changes rather than substantial violations. The delegation expressed that instead of imposing fines or initiating demolition, the Authority should focus on creating a more balanced approach that addresses actual structural risks while recognising practical needs.
In response, MLA Singh assured residents that no new notices under Section 10 would be issued until the Noida Authority finalises a revised policy. This temporary relief has offered homeowners some respite and provided an opportunity for dialogue on long-term solutions. Authorities, however, continue to stress that deviations from approved building plans or maps can have consequences for the safety and structural stability of properties. Maintaining adherence to regulations is important to prevent hazards, even as residents push for greater flexibility regarding minor, non-structural changes.
With the intervention of MLA Pankaj Singh and the push for a revised policy, homeowners in Noida hope for a more practical approach that recognises minor residential alterations as part of normal urban living, without compromising safety or the legal framework.
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