Greater Noida West : A potentially deadly incident unfolded this week in Ajnara Homes Society, located in the heart of Greater Noida West, when a large section of its boundary wall collapsed due to deep excavation work carried out by the adjacent under-construction Gulshan Avante project. The collapse resulted in significant property damage and has reignited concerns over reckless urban construction practices, especially in densely packed residential zones.
What Happened?
The collapse occurred on Tuesday morning when a massive portion approximately 10 to 12 feet high of the boundary wall suddenly gave way and crumbled into the society’s open parking area. Several parked vehicles were damaged, and debris was scattered dangerously close to residential towers. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though residents remain shaken.
Eyewitnesses report that the mishap occurred during backfilling of soil following extensive excavation work on the neighbouring site. The wall reportedly collapsed with a loud thud, prompting panic among families, especially women, children and senior citizens.
Root Cause: Negligent Construction?
Residents and RWA members of Ajnara Homes squarely blame the Gulshan Avante construction team. They allege that:
- Deep digging was conducted right next to their boundary wall without a buffer zone.
- No support structures (retaining walls or sheet piling) were erected.
- The excavation extended dangerously close to Ajnara Homes’ foundations.
- Soil filling was rushed without ensuring stability or checking for wall stress.
A media spokesperson from the Gulshan Group responded by acknowledging the collapse but claimed that proper guidelines were followed. However, the damage on the ground tells a different story.
Residents Demand Accountability
Ajnara RWA and angry residents have demanded immediate structural audits and strict punitive action against the builder. They argue that this was not an accident, but an act of “criminal negligence” that endangered hundreds of lives.
Our children play near that area. Imagine if this happened in the evening when families are returning from work. We have been raising concerns for weeks, but the builder ignored us.
Resident, Tower B
Authority’s Response
Officials from the Greater Noida Authority and the police arrived at the site post-incident. The site was inspected, and a preliminary report suggests a lack of compliance with excavation safety norms. The local administration has assured residents that an investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken.
Meanwhile, temporary barriers have been set up to prevent further mishaps, but residents argue that the danger is far from over. Cracks have reportedly appeared in other parts of the boundary wall, raising fears of further collapses.
Recurring Pattern Across Noida
This isn’t the first time such an incident has happened in the Noida-Greater Noida areas. In the past year, multiple residential societies have reported building damage, tilting walls, and cave-ins due to adjacent construction sites digging too close without following the National Building Code (NBC) norms.
What Residents Are Demanding:
- Immediate structural audit of all affected boundaries.
- Financial compensation for vehicle/property damage.
- Halt to construction until safety guarantees are made.
- Accountability of the builder under the construction law and RERA.
- Safety audit by Greater Noida Authority across all similar high-density projects.
Conclusion:
The wall collapse at Ajnara Homes is a wake-up call for both residents and the authorities. It highlights the urgent need to regulate construction activities in urban housing hubs, where one project’s negligence can endanger entire communities. As the investigation unfolds, the big question remains: Who will ensure safety when concrete walls can no longer shield families from unsafe development?