UP Government Takes Swift Action After Noida Tragedy
The Uttar Pradesh government made significant administrative changes on Monday following a tragic incident in Noida. Officials removed Lokesh M from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Noida Authority. The government also established a Special Investigation Team to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of Yuvraj Mehta.
Engineer Drowns in Waterlogged Trench
Yuvraj Mehta, a twenty-seven-year-old software engineer, lost his life on Friday night. His car plunged into a waterlogged trench at a commercial site in Sector 150. The young professional drowned after his vehicle broke through a weak crash barrier. The accident occurred during dense fog conditions.
Chief Minister Orders Investigation
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took serious notice of the incident. His office directed immediate action. The newly formed SIT will conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. The team must submit its findings to the Chief Minister within five days.
Two Major Lapses Identified
The accident exposed two critical failures. First, civic infrastructure problems created dangerous conditions. The road where Mehta drove features a sharp right-angle turn. This section becomes particularly hazardous during foggy weather. Authorities installed no warning signs or lights at the location.
Second, rescue efforts faced significant delays. Mehta's father accused police and other agencies of responding too slowly. Police officers who reached the scene could not swim. A senior police officer confirmed that swimming skills are not mandatory for personnel. Mehta reportedly stayed afloat by clinging to his car before succumbing.
SIT Composition and Mandate
The Special Investigation Team will operate under specific leadership. Additional Director General Bhanu Bhaskar of Meerut Zone will head the committee. Divisional Commissioner Bhanu Chandra Goswami will serve as a member. The Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department completes the three-person team.
Administrative Consequences
Lokesh M faces immediate reassignment. The government placed him on compulsory waiting. He previously headed both the Noida Authority and the Noida Metro Rail Corporation. As CEO, his responsibilities included daily administration, civic planning, and enforcement functions. Lokesh M belongs to the 2005 batch of IAS officers in the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He assumed the CEO role in July 2023.
Legal Action Against Developers
Police registered a First Information Report on Sunday against two real estate companies. Wishtown Planners and Lotus Greens won the project site containing the trench. The FIR cites alleged negligence for missing safety measures. Authorities noted the absence of proper barricades and reflectors at the location.
Additional Disciplinary Measures
Noida Authority took further action before the CEO's removal. Officials suspended junior engineer Naveen Kumar. He handled traffic-related work in the area. The authority also issued notices to other officials connected to the site.
Local Protests and Response
Residents gathered at the accident site to protest. They accused Noida Authority of negligence. Locals claimed several previous accidents occurred at the same spot. Community members said they repeatedly requested barricades and reflectors without success. Following the protest, Noida Authority dumped hundreds of tonnes of debris near the trench area.
The Uttar Pradesh government demonstrates its commitment to accountability through these actions. The swift formation of an SIT and administrative changes highlight the seriousness of this tragedy. Authorities now face pressure to implement lasting safety improvements across Noida's infrastructure.
