'Boards of shame': How Noida Authority is using public scrutiny to recover crores from builders

In a bold move to recover thousands of crores in unpaid land dues, the Noida Authority has initiated a public shaming campaign against defaulting group housing developers. The drive targets builders who have failed to clear their outstanding amounts and have not utilised a government rehabilitation scheme for stalled projects.

The campaign commenced with the installation of large public boards at two major projects: Lotus Panache in Sector 110 and Supertech Eco City in Sector 137. According to a report by The Indian Express, the board outside Lotus Panache explicitly details the pending dues. The project, launched in 2010 by Granite Gate Properties Ltd, has been mired in insolvency proceedings at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) since 2019 and reportedly owes the Authority a staggering Rs 1,200 crore.

Originally slated for completion in 2014, Lotus Panache has been a source of protracted distress for homebuyers. Hundreds moved the NCLT over the developer's defaults and the incomplete nature of the work. More than a decade on, residents still face challenges with pending property registries and unfinished amenities.

Officials confirmed that this is only the beginning. Similar hoardings are set to be erected outside other delinquent group housing projects, including those currently under NCLT oversight. The Authority also plans to publish the list of these projects and photographs of the displayed boards on its official website to maximise public awareness.

Attributing the action to the CEO of the Noida Authority, The Indian Express quoted Dr Lokesh M as stating, “This is not a punitive action. It is an information campaign to make the public aware of the financial status of these projects. There is nothing wrong with informing citizens about outstanding dues.”

The scale of the problem is significant. Data from the Authority reveals a widespread pattern of non-payment. Ten developers have allegedly failed to make any payments despite previously consenting to clear their dues. A further 13 have made only partial payments, while 35 others have deposited less than a quarter of the total amount they owe.