Representational image. (image-X/sumitsaurabh)
Uttar Pradesh: The Noida Authority on Wednesday ordered residents across all housing societies to remove flower pots from the edges of balconies, especially parapet walls. The move comes after a tragic incident occurred in Pune where a flowerpot fell on a child, killing them.
The decision was announced by Noida Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lokesh M, who warned that non-compliance could lead to legal action, including FIRs against the President or Secretary of the Apartment Owners Association (AOA). In cases where AOA doesn’t exist, the responsibility will lie with the builder and the individual flat owner.
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The authority has instructed AOAs to notify all residents through notice boards, WhatsApp groups, or SMS to ensure everyone complies with the directive.
“All flower pots placed on balcony parapets or stands must be removed immediately. If anyone fails to follow this rule, strict action can be taken. An FIR may be filed against the President or Secretary of the Apartment Owners Association (AOA). In societies without an AOA, the builder and flat owner will be held responsible,” CEO Lokesh M told Hindustan Times.
Residents often extend balconies to place flower pots or vases, observed officials, adding that it was an unauthorised construction under existing regulations.
Meanwhile, the directive has sparked concerns among office-bearers as they questioned why the Noida authority should act against them instead of the flat owners, as AOAs don’t have the power to take action against them.
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“The authority must change the rules that allow them to act against the AOAs because flat owners often don’t pay heed to AOA directives,” said Rajiva Singh, president of the Noida Federation of Apartment Owners Association.
In December 2023, a delivery worker was injured in Greater Noida after a flower pot fell on him while delivering a package. Earlier this month, the Ghaziabad administration also issued a comparable safety advisory following the Pune tragedy.
(With inputs from other agencies)
