Insights & Perspectives

High-rise living has transformed urban communities. Today, hundreds or even thousands of families share the same infrastructure, amenities, and public spaces. Managing such diverse communities requires far more than maintaining buildings—it requires effective governance, collaboration, and trust.

Apartment Owners Associations (AOAs) have therefore become one of the most important institutions of urban community life. Their responsibilities extend well beyond maintenance to financial management, statutory compliance, security, infrastructure, sustainability, vendor management, and representing residents before government authorities.

Every committee member is a volunteer who balances professional, personal, and community responsibilities. Their role demands difficult decisions, often with limited resources and varying expectations from residents. In a community of diverse opinions, unanimity is rarely possible.

Differences of opinion are natural and, in fact, healthy. Every resident views issues through a different lens, whether related to maintenance, finances, amenities, or long-term planning. Healthy debate leads to better decisions, provided it remains respectful and solution-oriented.

Technology has changed the way communities communicate. WhatsApp groups have become the new community notice board, enabling quick communication and faster resolution of issues. They have also made residents more informed and engaged than ever before.

However, WhatsApp discussions can sometimes become dominated by criticism rather than collaboration. Opinions are often formed before all facts are known, and assumptions can spread faster than verified information. Constructive feedback always strengthens a community; unverified criticism often creates unnecessary distrust.

One challenge seen across many societies is criticism without participation. It is easy to question every decision from behind a mobile screen but far more difficult to attend meetings, study issues, volunteer time, or help implement solutions. Communities progress when residents contribute alongside offering suggestions.

The role of AOAs has also expanded significantly in recent years. They now work closely with government departments on issues such as fire safety, electricity, water supply, traffic management, waste management, EV charging infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and civic development. AOAs have become an important bridge between citizens and public authorities.

At NOFAA, we have seen that the most successful societies are not those without disagreements but those where dialogue replaces confrontation and cooperation replaces conflict. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds stronger communities.

Community leadership is ultimately about service, not authority. It requires integrity, patience, empathy, and the ability to take balanced decisions in the larger interest of residents. Equally, responsible citizenship means participating positively and respecting the collective effort involved in managing a community.

Recently, the Noida Authority has issued a circular directing all Apartment Owners’ Associations (AOAs) to ensure the removal of flower pots placed on balcony parapets and railings. This move is inspired by a tragic incident in Pune where a young child lost his life after a flower pot fell from a balcony. Such accidents are a stark reminder that negligence—however unintentional—can lead to irreversible consequences.

The spirit of this directive is both timely and commendable. With Delhi NCR experiencing increasingly violent windstorms year after year, loose or unstable balcony items like flower pots pose a serious risk to life and property. AOAs across Noida appreciate the proactive approach taken by the Authority in recognizing such hazards and working to eliminate them.

However, what raises concern is the legal liability clause included in the circular. It suggests that in the unfortunate event of an accident, an FIR could be lodged not only against the individual flat owner responsible but also against the President or Secretary of the AOA. This is deeply worrying.

Let us remind ourselves that AOAs are made up of residents who voluntarily dedicate their time and effort to improve the quality of life in their societies. These roles are taken up not for personal gain but out of a sense of civic responsibility and commitment to community welfare. Burdening these volunteers with legal threats will only discourage well-meaning individuals from stepping forward. In such a vacuum, leadership may devolve to those with vested interests—something no city or society can afford.

We appeal to the Noida Authority to not only review this aspect of the directive but also take steps to collaborate with AOAs instead of holding them criminally liable.

AOAs currently lack enforcement powers. Beyond advisory notices and community persuasion, they have no statutory mechanism to penalize or physically enforce compliance. The only escalation path is back to the Noida Authority itself.

The safety of our residents must remain paramount. But the path to ensuring safety lies in partnership, not penalization. Let us work together to create a city where compliance is a shared responsibility, and those who volunteer to lead are supported, not threatened.

We assure the Noida Authority of all AOAs’ complete cooperation in implementing this and all other directives that serve the welfare of our residents and the spirit of the UP Apartment Act.

Let us make Noida not just smarter, but safer—together.

As we move into 2026, managing Apartment Owners Associations (AOAs) in high-rise societies is becoming increasingly complex. What was once seen as a largely voluntary responsibility—managed with a few hours over the weekend—has now evolved, especially in well-run societies, into a near full-time commitment for principal office bearers, who find themselves dedicating hours every single day.

One of the most significant developments this year is the revision of minimum wages by the Uttar Pradesh Government. While this is a welcome step towards fair compensation, it has a direct financial impact on AOAs. In most societies, manpower costs account for 75% to 85% of total expenditure, covering security, housekeeping, and technical teams. With most AOAs operating on tight, month-to-month CAM collections, this increase inevitably leads to upward pressure on maintenance charges, requiring careful recalibration of budgets.

At the same time, compliance requirements have grown exponentially. Today, AOAs must navigate a complex web of regulations including GST, Income Tax, Labour Laws, Lift Act compliance, electrical NOCs, Fire NOCs, Swimming Pool and Gym NOCs, STP and WTP operations, among others. Each of these comes with its own cost structures, documentation, audits, and timelines—often necessitating additional skilled manpower just to manage compliance efficiently.

Compounding these challenges is the increasing regulatory scrutiny and pressure from authorities, with periodic warnings of strict action, including FIRs, in case of non-compliance. While safety and compliance are non-negotiable, this environment can make AOA management not just difficult, but at times intimidating and high-risk, especially for volunteers who are not full-time administrators.

Simultaneously, the rise in fire incidents across high-rise buildings has made safety preparedness an urgent priority. Societies are expected to maintain fully functional fire systems, conduct regular drills, and ensure trained personnel—adding further to operational costs and responsibilities.

In this evolving landscape, there is a growing need for a collaborative approach. Authorities must work in partnership with well-performing AOAs, supporting rather than discouraging them. Otherwise, there is a real risk that in the coming years, only builder-affiliated or vested-interest groups may step forward, while capable, well-meaning professionals may choose to stay away from these demanding roles.

Equally important is the role of residents. Every resident must actively partner with their AOA—offering constructive feedback, understanding the regulatory framework, and being mindful of the practical constraints before making demands or suggestions. Awareness and cooperation at the community level are critical.

The challenges are many, and the road ahead is not easy. However, with collective effort, mutual respect, and strong collaboration between residents, AOAs, and authorities, it is possible to navigate these complexities. Only through such shared responsibility can AOA boards continue to steer their communities safely and efficiently through these increasingly challenging times.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are no longer a distant concept—they are fast becoming part of everyday urban mobility. Across cities like Noida, more residents are choosing EVs as a cleaner and more sustainable transportation option. This shift is particularly visible in high-density residential sectors dominated by high-rise societies. While the environmental benefits are clear, the transition also brings new infrastructure challenges for residential communities.

Most high-rise societies in Noida were constructed at a time when EV charging infrastructure was not part of the planning framework. Today, as residents increasingly purchase EVs and seek charging solutions within their parking areas, Apartment Owners’ Associations (AOAs) often face complex decisions. Questions around electrical load capacity, fire safety norms, parking infrastructure, and compliance with electricity distribution companies and fire authorities require careful evaluation.

In the absence of clear administrative guidelines, societies are currently addressing these matters in different ways. This sometimes leads to confusion or disagreements between EV owners and AOAs regarding safety, installation processes, and infrastructure limitations. Establishing clear EV guidelines for high-rise residential societies would therefore be extremely beneficial. Such guidelines can provide a standardized framework and checklist for both EV owners and associations, covering installation protocols, electrical load management, fire safety compliance, and coordination with relevant authorities. This would ensure safety while also preventing avoidable resident–AOA conflicts.

Equally important is the need for public EV charging infrastructure in high-density sectors. Areas such as Sector 137, which house several large residential societies and thousands of residents, will require more than a few charging points within individual complexes to support the expected rise in EV adoption.

Over the past few months, in my capacity as Secretary of the Noida Federation of Apartment Owners Associations (NOFAA), I have had the opportunity to raise these concerns with various authorities. I met the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar Medha Roopam Ma’am to highlight the need for administrative clarity on EV charging guidelines for older societies. I also met the Honourable Member of Parliament Dr. Mahesh Sharma Ji who immediately wrote to the CEO of Noida Authority regarding the need for public EV charging infrastructure in populous sectors. Subsequently, during my meeting with the CEO of Noida Authority Shri Krishna Karunesh it was encouraging to learn that plans are being explored to expand public EV infrastructure across Noida, including examining the feasibility for Sector 137.

As India moves steadily toward electric mobility, coordinated action between authorities, housing associations, and residents will be essential to ensure that this transition remains safe, practical, and sustainable for high-rise communities.

As residents of Noida, it was truly special to witness a landmark moment for our region—the much-awaited Noida International Airport moving from vision to reality.

This is not just the inauguration of an airport; it feels like the beginning of a transformative phase in the growth story of Noida, Greater Noida, and the entire NCR. There was a shared sense of pride at the event—an acknowledgment of how far the region has come and the immense possibilities that lie ahead.

The impact of this development will be far-reaching. From enhanced global connectivity for residents and businesses to a significant boost in infrastructure, real estate, and investment, the airport is poised to reshape the region. It also promises large-scale employment opportunities and will accelerate planned urban development, bringing new energy to the local economy.

What makes this moment even more significant is the immense scope of development it unlocks. The airport is expected to catalyse new industrial corridors, warehousing and logistics hubs, hospitality projects, and commercial ecosystems around it. Improved road networks, metro connectivity, and civic infrastructure will further integrate the region, making it an even more attractive destination for businesses and residents alike.

Over time, this will not just elevate property values or business prospects—it will redefine how Noida is positioned on the national and global stage, emerging as a key economic powerhouse.

It is a moment of optimism and anticipation. A reminder that Noida’s growth story is still unfolding—and perhaps, the most exciting phase is just beginning.

Recently, we have seen media reports and tweets from the Noida Authority highlighting actions being taken against Apartment Owners Associations (AOAs) — including the imposition of fines, filing of FIRs, and even recommendations for cancellation of AOA registrations — in connection with non-functional or undersized Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in residential societies.

These measures are not only harsh and one-sided, but they also deflect accountability from the primary entity responsible: the builders. It is the builders who constructed these projects and, in many cases, either failed to build STPs altogether, provided grossly inadequate systems, or handed over non-functional infrastructure to the residents.

Apartment Owners Associations are formed by ordinary citizens — flat owners — who bought homes in good faith, trusting that the necessary due diligence was carried out by the authorities before Completion Certificates (CC) and Occupancy Certificates (OC) were granted. These certificates are supposed to ensure compliance with environmental norms, infrastructure readiness, and safety standards. If the STP or other essential infrastructure was incomplete or faulty, it raises a serious question: how were CCs and OCs issued in the first place?

The current actions seem to punish the very residents who are trying to maintain and manage these large residential complexes, often without any handholding or support from either the builder or the authorities. In most of these projects, builders have long abandoned their responsibilities — including the handover of proper infrastructure and payment of IFMS (Interest-Free Maintenance Security) dues to AOAs.

Trying to cancel the registration of AOAs is not just counterproductive — it is dangerous. In a scenario where builders have deserted the projects, if the AOA is dissolved, who will run the society? Who will ensure safety, sanitation, and basic maintenance for thousands of families? Is the Noida Authority prepared to take over this role? Such measures risk plunging well-established societies into administrative chaos.

We urge the Noida Authority to revisit its approach and focus its enforcement efforts on errant builders. Simultaneously, we recommend a collaborative model where the authority works with AOAs to audit existing infrastructure and prepare realistic timelines and support mechanisms for rectifying STP-related issues, where required.

AOAs are not adversaries — they are partners in managing the urban ecosystem. Penalising them for legacy failures is unjust and will only erode public trust in the system. Let us shift the focus where it rightfully belongs — to the origin of the problem — and work together toward sustainable solutions for Noida’s residential communities.