India, Oct. 4 -- The Noida authority on Friday approved a sweeping decision to cancel the allotment of residential plots that remain vacant for more than 12 years, marking one of its toughest measures in recent years against non-compliance by plot owners.

Under the new rule, any allottee who has failed to build a house on their plot within 12 years will lose ownership. However, those who are currently in the process of construction will be granted a grace period of up to six months to complete work and obtain a completion certificate.

The resolution, taken at the authority's 219th board meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh infrastructure and industrial development commissioner Deepak Kumar, aims to ensure that land earmarked for housing is ...