The layers of corruption in the Noida Sports City project, located in Sector 150, Noida, are unraveling, bringing 10 IAS officers under scrutiny. Some of these officers have already retired, but all of them have previously served as CEO of the Noida Authority, with a few holding the position multiple times. In addition to these top officials, officers from the ACEO and Planning Department are also under investigation. The CBI, acting on the orders of the High Court, is actively probing the case and may visit the Noida Authority office again today.
CBI Investigation & FIR Against Officials and Builders
The High Court has directed the CBI to register cases against those responsible, including both Noida Authority officials and involved builders. A key aspect of the investigation is identifying which IAS officers served as CEO and ACEO during the years when the alleged irregularities occurred.
List of Former Noida Authority CEOs (2005–2017)
The probe is focusing on officers who held key positions during the period of financial mismanagement and policy manipulation. Below are the names of key officers who served as CEO of Noida Authority during the crucial years:
- Sanjeev Saran (15 Sept 2005 – 16 May 2007, 4 May 2012 – 21 Jan 2013)
- Monica Garg
- Balwinder Kumar (19 July 2011 – 1 Nov 2011)
- Lalit Srivastava (Additional Charge)
- Mohinder Singh (1 Jan 2010 – 19 July 2011, 1 Nov 2011 – 2 Nov 2011)
- Ramaraman (14 Dec 2010, CEO again after Jan 2013)
- SK Dwivedi
- Jivesh Nandan (2 Nov 2011 – 20 Nov 2011)
- Anil Rajkumar (17 March 2012 – 4 May 2012)
- Alok Tandon
Nominations are open for Honouring Women in Cyberspace on International Women’s Day 2025- Nominate Now!
Widespread Panic Among Officials
As the CBI tightens its grip, former Noida Authority officers are reportedly in a state of panic. The primary focus of the investigation spans from 2007 to 2017, covering the controversial Sports City project. Several questionable decisions were taken during this period, including:
- Sub-division of large land plots in Sectors 78, 79, 101, 150, and 152
- Failure to collect dues from builders
- Approval of group housing projects without ensuring sports facilities
- Granting Occupancy Certificates (OC) and Completion Certificates (CC) to builders despite violations
Manipulation in the Sports City Project
The Sports City project was initially proposed in the 145th Board Meeting of Noida Authority on 25 June 2007, covering 311.60 hectares of land. On 8 April 2008, the project was formally approved with designated land use. However, over the years, key financial and regulatory conditions were revised to benefit builders, including:
- 2011: Approval of reduced net worth and turnover criteria for builder companies
- 2021: Despite non-payment of dues, Noida Authority failed to take action
What’s Next?
With the CBI intensifying its probe, the role of senior officials, policy loopholes, and financial irregularities in the Noida Sports City project will soon be fully exposed. The filing of FIRs against key officers and builders is expected to be the next major development. The coming days could witness major legal action and arrests, as accountability for one of Noida’s biggest land scams finally unfolds.