NOIDA: Noida Authority has unveiled a redevelopment policy that promises to transform old and deteriorating housing societies into contemporary living spaces. The policy, approved on June 14, offers existing homeowners larger apartments with a minimum 15% increase in carpet area along with temporary accommodation for the period when reconstruction will take place.
Officials said the policy involved residential buildings that were over 30 years old or those declared structurally unsafe by recognised engineering institutions like IITs and NITs. With over 115 private housing projects and numerous Authority-built complexes now showing signs of wear, the policy comes at a crucial time for the city’s urban renewal.
Under the new framework, redevelopment can be initiated only after securing 70% consent from leasehold residents. Original flat owners will receive newly constructed units free of cost, with developers either providing temporary accommodation or monthly rent during the construction period.
Formed in 1976 under the UP Industrial Area Development Act, the Authority began multi-storey housing in 1981, leasing plots to private builders who followed the then-applicable building bylaws. The Authority also built low-rise housing for economically weaker sections on a leasehold basis. But poor maintenance caused many structures to develop seepage, leading to unsafe living conditions. While Apartment Owners’ Associations (AOAs) often manage short-term tasks like painting, structural audits and retrofitting are often bypassed — leaving the buildings vulnerable to heavy rains or earthquakes.
The redevelopment will cover four aspects — structural safety, improved amenities, environmental upgrades, and strict developer accountability.
To make these projects financially viable, the Authority will allow developers an increased floor area ratio (FAR) of up to 2.75 from 1.5, which will enable them to build additional units and sell them to make up for the cost of development.
The policy covers three categories of buildings — Authority-built projects like Mansarovar and Shatabdi Vihar in Sector 52, cooperative housing societies such as Rail Vihar and LIC Society, and other private developer projects.
The selection of developers will vary in keeping with the projects. For instance, in societies developed by the Authority, developers will be chosen through a bidding process. But cooperative and private housing societies can appoint their own builders, provided they meet the eligibility criteria, which will involve a proven track record and financial stability.
The policy mandates a tripartite agreement between the developer, Authority, and AOA, detailing provisions about the relocation of homeowners, carpet area entitlements, and project timelines. The developers must also register with Rera before selling additional units.
Officials clarified that residents would not be asked to vacate homes until temporary rehabilitation or rent compensation was arranged for. Also, developers can sell additional flats only after original residents receive possession.
“We have included strict accountability measures. Developers failing to meet deadlines or breaching agreements will face penalties, including blacklisting. A grievance redress cell will handle complaints about delays, quality issues, or reduced carpet area,” an Authority official said.
The Authority is planning to introduce a single-window system for approvals and will monitor the disbursement of rent for residents who would be relocated. The revamped societies will have modern amenities like EV charging stations, rainwater harvesting systems, and sewage treatment plants.
To sweeten the deal, the Authority will propose waiving stamp duty and lease rent charges on the new lease deeds once the flats have been revamped.
