On Monday, the Noida authority took a significant step to recover overdue water bills by disconnecting the water supply for two major defaulters—a dairy company and a real estate developer. Each of these had outstanding bills exceeding Rs 1 crore. The real estate developer claimed that the disconnection happened due to “confusion” over the amount owed and assured that they would resolve the issue quickly. This action is part of a broader campaign by the Noida authority to address unpaid water bills, with a particular focus on the largest debtors. So far, the authority has successfully recovered Rs 79.05 crore out of Rs 150 crore owed for the 2024–25 fiscal year. Although this progress is promising, Lokesh M., the chief executive officer of the Noida Authority, emphasized the need to collect the remaining dues, especially from the top ten defaulters.

During a review meeting on July 31, 2024, Lokesh M expressed satisfaction with the collection efforts but stressed the need for stronger actions against those who have not paid their bills despite receiving multiple reminders. He instructed the water department to implement tougher measures, including issuing formal notices and taking more stringent actions. As part of these measures, notices have been posted outside the offices of the top ten defaulters, which include several real estate companies. These are displayed in prominent areas such as Phase 2 Sector 16, 63, 76, 77, and 143. They warn that if the overdue payments are not settled within 15 days, the water supply will be cut off.

The aggressive approach is reminiscent of a similar strategy used in 2019, when the Noida authority disconnected water supplies to large defaulters to enforce bill payment responsibilities. The developer involved in the latest disconnection has acknowledged the issue and committed to resolving the payment problems soon. They explained that the delay was due to some confusion about the exact amount owed but assured that they are working to clear the dues promptly to restore their water supply. The Noida Authority’s firm actions highlight its commitment to enforcing financial responsibility among its consumers. By focusing on the largest defaulters and making their non-payment public, the authority aims to encourage quicker payments and prevent future delinquencies. This proactive stance demonstrates the authority’s determination to ensure all water bills are paid and to maintain the financial stability of its operations.