Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Krishna Karunesh has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority, officials confirmed on Saturday. This significant administrative change sees Karunesh replacing Lokesh M, who has been removed from the position.
Background to the Appointment
The appointment comes just days after a controversy erupted following the tragic death of a 27-year-old software engineer, Yuvraj Mehta, in Sector 150 on the night of January 16. The incident sparked widespread protests by local residents, who alleged negligence by both developers and the authority in addressing safety concerns.
Previous CEO's Removal
In response to the incident and subsequent public outcry, Lokesh M, also an IAS officer, was removed as Noida Authority CEO on January 19 and placed on the waiting list. This move was seen as an administrative response to the growing demands for accountability and improved governance in the region.
Krishna Karunesh's Administrative Experience
Karunesh, a 2011-batch IAS officer originally from Bihar, brings substantial administrative experience to his new role. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as the District Magistrate of Gorakhpur, a position that provided him with valuable insights into urban governance challenges.
Previous Key Positions
Officials noted that Karunesh has held several important administrative positions throughout his career, including:
- Chief Development Officer of Ghaziabad
- Vice Chairman of the Ghaziabad Development Authority
- District Magistrate of Hapur
- District Magistrate of Balrampur
This diverse experience across multiple districts and development authorities positions him well to address the complex urban management challenges facing Noida, particularly in the wake of recent controversies.
Challenges Ahead for the New CEO
Karunesh takes charge at a critical juncture for the Noida Authority, with public trust needing restoration following the recent protests. His immediate challenges will likely include addressing safety concerns, improving developer accountability, and enhancing the authority's responsiveness to resident complaints.
The appointment represents a significant administrative reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh's urban governance structure, with expectations high for improved management and transparency in Noida's development projects and public services.
