The Greater Noida Authority has intensified its crackdown on housing societies violating sewage treatment norms, with more than 150 residential societies now under the scanner for failing to respond to official notices. The move comes days after the Authority imposed a hefty Rs 54 lakh environmental penalty on Ajnara Homes for serious lapses in sewage management.
Officials from the sewer department said that notices had been issued to 202 housing societies several weeks ago, seeking detailed responses on the functioning, capacity and usage of their Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). However, only 35 societies submitted replies, triggering concern among officials about widespread non-compliance.
Non-Responsive Societies Raise Red Flags
According to the sewer department, the notices required societies to explain whether treated sewage water was being reused for horticulture and other permissible purposes, the actual number of residents living in the complex, and whether STPs were operating at full capacity.
“Despite repeated reminders, more than 150 societies have not responded at all. This indicates possible negligence or deliberate avoidance,” an official said.
Following the limited response, Authority teams conducted physical inspections of the 35 societies that replied. The findings were alarming — lapses were found in 25 societies, leading to penalties of Rs 5 lakh each for violating environmental norms.
Ajnara Homes Case Becomes Turning Point
Among the penalised societies was Ajnara Homes, where inspectors found severe violations even after earlier warnings. Despite fines, residents later complained that untreated sewage was being discharged into basements instead of being routed through the STP.
A follow-up inspection confirmed the allegations, prompting the Authority to impose an additional penalty of Rs 54 lakh. Officials say the Ajnara case has now become a benchmark for future action.
“The message is clear. Repeated negligence will attract heavier penalties,” an Authority official said.
More Inspections Planned Across Greater Noida
Officials confirmed that inspection teams will soon visit other non-responsive societies. Societies found misusing or bypassing STPs, under-reporting population figures, or dumping sewage illegally will face strict penalties under environmental and municipal regulations.
The sewer department has also warned RWAs and builders that ignorance of rules will not be accepted as an excuse. “Treated water reuse is mandatory. Any violation directly impacts groundwater and public health,” an official added.
Fear of Penalties Grips RWAs
Following the Ajnara Homes action, panic has reportedly set in among several RWAs that failed to reply to the notices. Many societies are now scrambling to submit delayed responses and upgrade STP operations.
However, officials clarified that late replies will not stop inspections. “We will verify everything on ground. Paper compliance alone will not work,” an officer said.
Authority Signals Zero Tolerance
The Greater Noida Authority reiterated that environmental protection remains a top priority. With rapid urbanisation putting pressure on infrastructure, officials stressed that strict enforcement is necessary to prevent long-term damage.
Residents have also been urged to report illegal sewage discharge and STP misuse. The Authority said citizen complaints will play a key role in identifying violators.
More penalties are expected in the coming weeks as inspections expand across Greater Noida.
