Noida authority threatens to cancel AOA registrations over sewage disposal into drains, ET RealEstate
NOIDA: Noida Authority has threatened to cancel registrations of apartment owners’ associations (AOAs) if societies continue to discharge untreated sewage into stormwater drains. The warning follows multiple fines and even FIRs, which failed to rein in highrises violating environmental norms with impunity.
“Societies flouting sewage treatment norms will face not just FIRs but complete deregistration of their AOAs. We will urge the registrar of firms, societies, and chits in Meerut to implement these measures,” said Lokesh M, the Authority CEO.
He highlighted the gravity of the situation, saying overflowing sewage had led to persistent foul odour across the city. “The issue is now a matter of grave environmental concern and urban hygiene. Improper disposal of sewage is the main reason behind the foul smell emanating from several parts of the city. Societies must take responsibility,” Lokesh M added.
The Authority has already set the wheels in motion, writing to the registrar’s office in Meerut against a residential society and one institution. An inspection on Monday revealed that Lotus Panache in Sector 110 continued to release untreated sewage into drains — despite a warning to its management two months ago —causing it to overflow onto service roads.
“Despite flagging this issue a couple of months ago, no corrective action was taken. The CEO has now asked for a permanent solution within three days,” an official said.
Similarly, Maharishi Ashram in Sector 110 was found violating environmental norms. Officials ordered the sealing of sewer lines for both these establishments and initiated FIR proceedings against them. Notices will also be issued on maintenance agencies for these environmental violations. The crackdown has been in place for some time now.
Earlier this month, the Authority urged local police stations to register FIRs against seven societies — RG Residency (Sector 120), Sikka Karmik (Sector 78), Lotus Boulevard (Sector 100), Purvanchal Royal Park (Sector 137), Aims Max Gardenia (Sector 75), Prateek Stylome (Sector 45), and Amrapali Silicon City (Sector 76) — for allegedly operating without functional STPs.
Despite earlier fines exceeding Rs 1 crore in total, these societies showed little improvement in compliance. “We are now moving towards cancelling the registrations of AOAs and their builders,” an official said.
Environmental impact assessments have revealed that untreated waste from these societies was ultimately contaminating the Yamuna and Hindon, severely affecting groundwater quality as well. “Lakhs are spent annually to clean the city’s drains, yet they emit foul odour because of untreated discharge. The problem lies with societies bypassing environmental norms,” CEO Lokesh M said.
He pointed out that despite coordinated efforts with UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and multiple meetings with committees formed to ensure adherence to norms, enforcement had been lax. “Still, there are many societies discharging wastewater into drains,” the CEO said, reminding all stakeholders that the National Green Tribunal has made it mandatory for every residential society to have a functional STP.
Residents, however, questioned the fairness of blanket penalties on AOAs.
Rajiva Singh, president of NOFAA, called for a more nuanced approach. “Many societies are still under the control of developers. Here, AOAs have limited authority over facility management, including STPs. We support any such action against long-standing independent AOAs that have failed to act, but a careful analysis is crucial before implementing punitive measures,” he added.
With nearly 100 residential societies housing lakhs of residents, officials said the Authority remained committed to identifying violators and ensuring environmental compliance with a combination of fines, FIRs, and cancellation of AOA registrations, if needed.
