In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Uttar Pradesh government has appointed IAS officer Krishna Karunesh (2011 batch) as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority. The appointment comes in the aftermath of the controversial Yuvraj Mehta case, which led to the removal of former CEO Dr Lokesh M and triggered intense public and political scrutiny of Noida’s governance and safety systems.
Until now, Krishna Karunesh was serving as the Additional Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) of the Noida Authority. His elevation is being viewed as a move towards internal continuity combined with stronger administrative control at a time when the city’s development model and emergency response mechanisms are under sharp focus.
A Leadership Change at a Critical Moment
The leadership transition comes at a sensitive juncture for Noida. Following the tragic death of software engineer Yuvraj Mehta in a water-filled pit in Sector 150, questions were raised about road safety, infrastructure monitoring, delayed administrative action, and lack of accountability within the Authority.
Officials say the appointment of Krishna Karunesh sends a clear signal that the government wants tighter supervision, faster decision-making, and stricter enforcement at the ground level. As CEO, he will now be responsible for overseeing urban planning, infrastructure projects, grievance redressal systems, and coordination with multiple civic agencies.
An Officer Groomed Within the System
Originally from Bihar, Krishna Karunesh has spent much of his administrative career in Uttar Pradesh, gaining experience across key districts. Before joining Noida Authority, he served as:
■District Magistrate of Gorakhpur
■Joint Magistrate in Kushinagar
■SDM and CDO in Ghaziabad
■Held district-level responsibilities in Hapur and Balrampur
His familiarity with both district administration and urban governance is expected to be an asset as Noida continues to expand rapidly.
Notably, having already worked inside the Noida Authority as ACEO, Karunesh is well-acquainted with ongoing projects, internal systems, and pending reforms. This insider understanding is likely to help him implement changes swiftly.
Known for Firm Action and Accountability
Krishna Karunesh is widely regarded as an action-oriented officer with a reputation for zero tolerance towards negligence. In 2022, while serving as District Magistrate of Gorakhpur, he suspended nine revenue officials in a single action for dereliction of duty — a move that earned him recognition for enforcing discipline and accountability.
Academically, he holds a Master’s degree and an LLB, giving him a strong legal and administrative foundation — particularly relevant for a city where land regulation, construction monitoring, and policy compliance remain constant challenges.
Expectations from the New CEO
Urban experts and residents alike now expect swift reforms in road safety, infrastructure audits, emergency response systems, and project monitoring. With public trust shaken in recent weeks, Krishna Karunesh’s leadership will be closely watched.
His success may well define the next phase of Noida’s governance — one focused on discipline, transparency, and citizen safety.
