Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Krishna Karunesh has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority, according to a senior official who confirmed the development to PTI. This appointment comes in the wake of significant administrative changes following a tragic incident that has sparked public outrage and protests in the region.
Background of the Appointment
Karunesh, an IAS officer from the 2011 batch, assumes this crucial role days after a controversy erupted over the death of a 27-year-old software engineer, Yuvraj Mehta. The incident occurred on the night of January 16 in Noida's Sector 150, where Mehta's car fell into a waterlogged trench near Tata Eureka Park amid low visibility due to fog. This tragedy has raised serious questions about road safety measures, rescue operations, and alleged negligence at under-construction sites.
Removal of Previous CEO
Following the incident and subsequent protests by local residents, IAS officer Lokesh M was removed from his position as Noida Authority CEO and placed on the waiting list on January 19. The protests accused developers and authorities of negligence in ensuring proper safety measures at construction sites and timely rescue responses.
About Krishna Karunesh
Hailing from Bihar, Krishna Karunesh brings extensive administrative experience to his new role. Before this appointment, he served as the District Magistrate of Gorakhpur, where he managed key governance functions. His career portfolio includes significant positions such as Chief Development Officer of Ghaziabad and Vice Chairman of the Ghaziabad Development Authority, roles that involved urban planning and development oversight.
Additionally, Karunesh has served as District Magistrate in both Hapur and Balrampur districts, demonstrating his capability in handling diverse administrative challenges across different regions of Uttar Pradesh.
Details of the Noida Techie Death
The death of Yuvraj Mehta has brought to light alleged shortcomings in multiple areas. According to police reports, initial investigations suggest that low visibility due to fog and possible speeding may have contributed to the accident. A senior police officer noted that a large drain, approximately six to seven feet wide, had been dug at the site, creating a hazardous condition that was exacerbated by poor visibility.
Allegations of Negligence
Friends and family of the victim have raised serious concerns about the response time of rescue teams. According to Pankaj, a friend of the deceased, rescue teams arrived only by 2:30 AM and were unable to enter the water until 3:20 AM, suggesting delays that might have affected the outcome. These allegations have intensified public scrutiny of authority responses during emergencies.
An FIR has been lodged against two builders for negligence in connection with the incident. The investigation is currently underway to examine claims of negligence against the construction firms involved, focusing on whether adequate safety measures were implemented at the construction site.
Administrative Implications
The appointment of Krishna Karunesh represents a strategic administrative move aimed at restoring public confidence in the Noida Authority's governance. His experience in urban development and district administration positions him to address the systemic issues highlighted by this tragic incident, including improving safety protocols at construction sites and enhancing emergency response mechanisms.
This leadership change underscores the government's responsiveness to public concerns and its commitment to ensuring accountability in administrative functions, particularly in matters of public safety and infrastructure development.
