Noida: Senior IAS officer Krishna Karunesh (2011: UP) has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority, replacing Lokesh M., an IAS officer of the 2005 batch, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The appointment comes in the wake of the tragic death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta in Sector 150, Noida, on January 16, 2026, which sparked widespread protests and allegations of negligence against developers and the authority.
Background: Techie Death Sparks Administrative Shake-Up
The incident involving Yuvraj Mehta, whose car drowned in a water-filled pit dug for a basement in Sector 150, intensified scrutiny on Noida Authority’s administration. Following the tragedy, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been probing the case, questioning developers and officials to determine responsibility. Amid rising public anger and departmental discussions on accountability, Lokesh M. was removed from his post as CEO on January 19, 2026, and placed on the waiting list.
In this context, Mr Karunesh, previously serving as Additional Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) of the Noida Authority, has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the authority.
Who is IAS Krishna Karunesh?
Mr Karunesh is a 2011-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Originally from Patna, Bihar, he holds a B.A. (Honours) in Geography and an LL.B. from Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh, and a Master’s in Public Policy from IGNOU, New Delhi.
Known for his administrative acumen and people-centric governance, Karunesh has built a reputation for efficiency and strict adherence to law and order.
Key Postings and Experience:
- CEO, Noida Authority (January 2026 – Present): Appointed in the wake of administrative reshuffles post-Yuvraj Mehta case.
- Additional CEO, Noida Authority (July 2025 – January 2026): Oversaw operations and project management at the Authority.
- District Magistrate, Gorakhpur (June 2022 – July 2025): Focused on public service delivery, law and order, and infrastructure projects.
- Vice Chairman, Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA): Managed urban planning and development in the NCR region.
- District Magistrate, Balrampur; DM of Hapur and Hazaribagh: Oversaw district administration and development programs.
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) & Chief Development Officer (CDO), Ghaziabad: Early administrative roles contributing to urban and rural development.
Reputation and Approach
IAS Karunesh is widely regarded as a sharp, efficient officer with a focus on transparent governance and people-centric administration. His tenure in Gorakhpur, in particular, earned him praise for effective handling of infrastructure projects and law and order management.
His appointment as CEO comes at a sensitive time, with all eyes on the ongoing SIT investigation and the authority’s handling of accountability measures following the techie’s death.
Ongoing SIT Investigation
The SIT continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Yuvraj Mehta’s death, including questioning developers involved in the Sector 150 construction project. Action has already been taken against three builders linked to the case. The final report is expected to determine responsibility and guide further administrative and legal measures.
