Noida : A series of alarming incidents involving chunks of plaster falling from ceilings and balconies in Noida Authority-built LIG flats has left residents fearing for their lives. The latest close call occurred on June 22 at Sector 99, where a heavy slab of plaster and railing came crashing down from an upper floor into the balcony of the Goswami family. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the recurring incidents have raised serious questions about the safety and upkeep of these ageing government-built homes.
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The structural condition of several flats has visibly deteriorated over the years. Similar accidents have been reported recently, including one in January, where plaster collapsed onto a resident’s car, damaging the roof and windshield, and another on July 15 when plaster chunks fell from a wall in Block 16.
Residents
We’re living in fear every day. Anyone could get seriously hurt or worse. This is not just neglect—this is life-threatening. Due to plaster fall, my vehicle was damaged in January.
Pradeep Saxena
The Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of Sector 99 has taken up the issue with urgency
RWA President Narottam Sharma has demanded that the Noida Authority conduct a thorough structural inspection of all blocks within 48 hours and immediately remove loose plaster and unsafe material from the premises.
Adding to the pressure, Mohinder Singh, RWA President of Sector 40, criticised the Noida Authority for failing to monitor maintenance and safety post-handover.
Many of these buildings are decades old and not built for long-term safety. The Authority should be held accountable for any structural flaws, especially in flats that are still under its control.
Mohinder Singh, RWA
Responding to the outrage, a Noida Authority official clarified that maintenance becomes the responsibility of residents or RWAs one year after the handover. However, in flats that have not yet been allotted or are still under the Authority’s ownership, the onus lies with the Authority to ensure structural integrity and safety.
Amid these developments, Noida Authority recently introduced a Redevelopment Policy targeting buildings older than 30 years or deemed structurally unsafe. Under this policy, if 70% of residents in a building consent, they can opt for reconstruction of their flats with 15% additional carpet area. The scheme also includes provisions for temporary housing or rent compensation during the redevelopment phase.
Still, residents argue that waiting for long-term policies while facing imminent risks is not acceptable
“What if next time, instead of a balcony, it’s someone’s head?
Resident
As calls for swift action grow louder, all eyes are now on the Noida Authority to respond with concrete steps—not just policies—before the next incident turns fatal.