The Noida Authority has approved one of its toughest measures in recent years, deciding to cancel allotments of residential plots left vacant for over 12 years. The move targets non-compliant allottees who have failed to develop their land despite repeated warnings.

The decision was made during the Authority’s 219th board meeting, chaired by Deepak Kumar, Uttar Pradesh’s Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner. The board also reviewed the state’s rehabilitation policy in line with Amitabh Kant Committee recommendations and decided to end interest waivers for developers defaulting under the ‘stalled legacy housing projects’ policy.

Officials noted that several developers had failed to clear dues despite receiving concessions. Of the projects under review, 10 developers have made no payments, 25 have paid partially, and 35 paid only the initial 25 per cent before halting further payments. These stalled projects have directly impacted homebuyers — while registries for 3,724 apartments have been completed, another 5,758 units remain pending until outstanding dues are settled.

The 2023 policy allowed builders to pay 25 per cent upfront and the balance over three years in exchange for interest waivers. However, the Authority’s latest move signals a shift towards stricter recovery and compliance enforcement.

Under the new rule, any plot owner who fails to construct a house within 12 years will forfeit ownership. Those currently undertaking construction will be granted a six-month grace period to complete work and obtain completion certificates.

Lokesh M, Chief Executive Officer of the Noida Authority, said,

“The board has decided to cancel allotments where houses have not been built even after 12 years. Vacant plots are not only an eyesore but also a violation of rules.”

Currently, 17 plots have crossed the 12-year limit without completion certificates — nine of them have no construction at all and are likely to be cancelled shortly. For the past year, the Authority has issued repeated notices urging compliance.

Of the approximately 30,000 individual plots allotted in Noida, around 1,500 have only minimal construction — a single room, toilet, or kitchen — just to obtain completion certificates. These plots are often later sold at a premium, turning residential land into speculative assets. Officials said this misuse exploits lenient building bylaws, which allow certificates once basic utilities are installed.

The board also adopted provisions of the Unified Regulations–2025, which will harmonise allotment rules, payment schedules, and approval procedures across Noida, Greater Noida, and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, providing greater clarity for developers and buyers.

Additionally, the Authority approved the setting up of an integrated solid waste management plant at Mubarakpur in Sector 145, with a capacity to process 300 tonnes of waste daily to generate electricity, fertiliser, and treated water.

It also sanctioned Rs 866.7 million for retrofitting sewage treatment plants in Sectors 35, 54, 123, and 168, enabling wastewater recycling for park irrigation and cleaner drainage.

To improve governance and transparency, the Authority will also launch a mobile app to monitor public projects, including road construction, park upgrades, and drain repairs, ensuring real-time supervision and accountability.

The series of decisions underscores the Authority’s intent to curb land speculation, strengthen compliance, and modernise urban infrastructure in Noida’s expanding development ecosystem.