Residents of Greater Noida have issued a strong appeal to the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), urging immediate intervention to restore the rapidly deteriorating parks and green belts in the city. The call for action specifically highlights the poor condition of green spaces in sectors like Beta 1 and Gamma 1, as well as the crucial stretch from Pari Chowk to Surajpur.
Residents Describe Pathetic State of Green Spaces
Expressing deep frustration, residents paint a grim picture of what were once vibrant community areas. Harinder Bhati, the General Secretary of the Beta 1 Residents' Welfare Association (RWA), did not mince words. He described the green belt from Pari Chowk to Surajpur as "pathetic," where a promised green landscape has been replaced by bricks, stones, and heaps of construction debris. Bhati emphasized that the grass has completely vanished, leaving behind large, unsightly patches of dry soil.
The situation within residential parks is equally alarming. Bhati pointed out that large potholes have now become common, posing significant safety risks, especially for children who use these spaces for play. This sentiment was strongly echoed by Nidhi Sharma, a resident of Sector Gamma 1, who confirmed that the neglect is a consistent problem across various parks in the region. Sharma lamented the transformation of these spaces from being full of life to becoming unkempt and filled with filth.
Allegations of Negligence and Misuse of Funds
The core of the residents' complaint lies in the perceived inaction by the authorities. Despite numerous complaints lodged over a significant period, they allege that the GNIDA's horticulture department has been negligent in its duty to maintain these public areas. Bhati accused officials of a "lack of accountability" and turning a blind eye to the pressing issues.
Nidhi Sharma provided a further critique, suggesting that a lack of professionally knowledgeable staff within the department has aggravated the problem. She claimed that work only happens reactively when complaints are filed, rather than through any proactive maintenance plan. Even basic tasks like tree maintenance are being poorly handled, putting additional strain on the already fragile green cover.
The frustration has led to more serious allegations. Resident Layak Singh Yadav raised concerns about the possible misappropriation of public funds, questioning whether the taxes paid by citizens are being genuinely used for the upkeep of these essential community assets.
A Call for Proactive Solutions and Accountability
Faced with this ongoing neglect, the residents are united in their demand for a decisive and proactive approach from GNIDA. They are calling for a firm commitment from the Authority to enhance the quality of life in Greater Noida through the proper management of its green lungs. Harinder Bhati stressed that "solutions will come from facing the problem head-on, not by avoiding it."
When confronted with these allegations, GNIDA officials offered a reassurance. They stated that all necessary steps are being taken to preserve and beautify the green spaces and promised that residents would see visible results soon. The community, however, remains watchful, awaiting concrete action to restore their parks and green belts to their former glory.
