Dry Taps, Draining Wallets: The Antriksh Golf View 2 Water Crisis and What It Means for Noida Homebuyers

Imagine paying crores for a dream home in a high-rise society, paying monthly maintenance fees on time, and yet waking up every morning with the anxiety of whether there will be water in your tap. For the 900+ families living in Antriksh Golf View 2 in Sector 78, Noida, this isn't a hypothetical nightmare—it is their daily reality.

The society has recently made headlines after residents urged the Noida Jal Board to intervene against the developer. The core issue? A staggering outstanding water bill, insufficient authorized connections, and a builder passing the financial burden onto already stressed homeowners. This situation serves as a stark warning for real estate investors across the NCR region.

The Core Crisis: 1,050 Flats, Water for Only 650

The root of the problem at Antriksh Golf View 2 is a classic case of infrastructure mismatch. The society comprises approximately 1,055 flats and nearly 40 commercial shops. However, records from the Noida Authority reveal that the developer only secured water connections sanctioned for 650 flats.

For years, this gap was likely plugged by groundwater or unauthorized means, but with stricter enforcement and mounting dues, the supply line is drying up. The Noida Jal Board has flagged that the society’s outstanding water bill—stretching from April 2025 to the present—stands at a massive ₹1.36 crore.

Because of these unpaid dues and the lack of a "third water connection" required to service the remaining towers, the authorities have restricted supply. The result? A prestigious housing complex is now running largely on private water tankers, the cost of which is being continuously passed down to the residents.

The "Double Tax" on Residents

What makes this situation particularly infuriating for the residents is the financial double whammy they are facing.

1. Maintenance Charges: Residents have been paying their monthly maintenance dues, which logically should cover essential utility bills like common water connections.
2. Tanker Costs: Due to the shortage, the society is forced to procure private water tankers daily. Reports indicate that the daily bill for these tankers can run upwards of ₹25,000, a cost that is ultimately recovered from the residents.

To make matters worse, the developer, Colorful Estates Private Limited, allegedly raised a fresh demand of ₹25,000 per flat in December. The justification? This money is needed to apply for the third water connection and regularize the supply. Residents are rightfully asking: Why should we pay extra for basic infrastructure that was supposed to be part of the original possession handover?

The Builder's Defense vs. Official Stance

The narrative from the builder's side is one of "shared responsibility." Project heads have claimed that they have already deposited partial amounts (around ₹28 lakh) towards the bill. They argue that they can only apply for the new connection once enough residents contribute to the new demand raised.

However, the Noida Jal Board and Authority officials have a different view. They maintain that securing utility connections for the entire project is the developer's primary obligation. The fact that the Occupancy Certificate (OC) for the project was cancelled in 2022 due to other irregularities further complicates the trust deficit. The authorities have issued multiple notices, but the dues remain largely unpaid, leaving residents caught in the crossfire.

Is It Legal to Disconnect Water?

This crisis brings up a critical legal question often asked in Noida: Can authorities or builders cut off water supply due to non-payment of dues?

Legally, water is considered an essential service. Courts in India have repeatedly ruled that access to water is a fundamental right (tied to Article 21, the Right to Life). A builder or Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) cannot arbitrarily cut off a resident's water supply to recover maintenance dues.

However, the situation here is different. The disconnection is happening at the source (from the Authority to the Society) because the bulk user (the builder) has defaulted. While the residents are the victims, the Authority's contract is with the developer. This legal loophole often leaves residents with no choice but to pay up or face dry taps, even if the builder is at fault.

Lessons for Future Homebuyers

The Antriksh Golf View 2 saga acts as a cautionary tale for anyone looking to buy property in Noida or Greater Noida. Here is a checklist to avoid landing in a similar "dry" trap:

• Verify Sanctioned Load: Don't just ask if there is water. Ask to see the sanctioned water connection document from the Noida Jal Board. Does the sanctioned capacity match the total number of flats in the society?
• Check for Occupancy Certificate (OC): A project without an OC (like Antriksh Golf View 2) is a red flag. It often means the builder has outstanding dues or construction violations, which will eventually lead to utility cuts.
• Talk to the RWA: Before signing the deed, speak to the existing RWA or residents. Ask specifically about water bills—are they being paid by the builder or the AOA? Are there pending arrears?
• RERA Status: Check the project's status on the UP RERA website. Look for any complaints regarding "possession without amenities" or "maintenance disputes."

Conclusion

The residents of Antriksh Golf View 2 are currently urging the Jal Board to take strict action against the builder rather than penalizing the families living there. It is a plea for justice—a demand that essential services should not be held hostage to corporate negligence.

Until the regulatory noose tightens around defaulting developers, homebuyers must remain vigilant. A fancy brochure might promise a swimming pool, but you need to ensure it guarantees water in your kitchen tap first.

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