The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to consider converting the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida) into a Metropolitan Council. This recommendation came during a hearing regarding alleged irregularities in land compensation payouts by Noida Authority officials.
The court's direction is rooted in concerns about transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance within the Noida Authority. The Supreme Court also ordered the formation of a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged collusion between Noida Authority officials and private builders, which reportedly led to farmers receiving inflated compensation for land acquisition. This followed an earlier SIT's findings that officials and builders had collaborated to facilitate excessive payouts to farmers.
In addition to considering the Metropolitan Council conversion, the Supreme Court has mandated several immediate actions to improve Noida's governance. These include the appointment of a senior IPS or Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) officer as Noida's Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) to continuously monitor the authority's activities. The court has also instructed the creation of a Citizen Advisory Board to involve local residents in decision-making processes and ensure greater transparency.
The bench has directed the UP director general of police to form a three-member special investigation team (SIT) to investigate all cases involving illegal excess compensation payouts in Noida. The SIT, to be headed by a police officer not below the rank of commissioner of police, will be chosen by Shirodkar, now the state DGP.
The Supreme Court's intervention reflects a broader effort to address systemic issues within the Noida Authority. The court has also directed that no project be given effect to in Noida without having environmental impact assessment and approval of the report by the green bench of the Supreme Court. These measures aim to restore public trust and ensure accountability in Noida's development and land acquisition processes.
