Social activist Chaudhary Praveen Bhartiya on Monday began an indefinite hunger strike outside the collectorate in Surajpur, demanding immediate steps to protect the environment and curb indiscriminate groundwater extraction. Approximately 40 people gathered to protest as part of the Corruption Free India Organisation. They alleged that unchecked groundwater extraction by private builders, businesses, and illegal borewells has led the area into a serious water crisis.
Groundwater levels declining
“Groundwater levels in Noida and Greater Noida have been declining continuously due to unchecked extraction by builders and industries. Authorities have failed to regulate this despite repeated complaints,” Bhartiya said during the protest. Organisation member Dinesh Nagar added that the relevant departments and officials were informed about the issues several times in the past, but no concrete steps were taken. “Left with no option, we have launched this democratic hunger strike in public interest so that authorities take the matter seriously,” he said.
Other demands raised
Protesters also raised demands related to village development, farmers’ issues, food adulteration, and employment opportunities for local youth. An official stated that the demands raised by the activists would be examined, and necessary action would be taken accordingly.
The protest highlights the urgent need for regulatory measures to address groundwater depletion in the rapidly urbanizing region of Noida and Greater Noida. Environmental advocates have long called for stricter enforcement of groundwater extraction norms and better monitoring of borewells.
