Ghaziabad's Siddharth Vihar Residents Protest Over Waste, Potholes & Pollution
Ghaziabad residents protest waste, potholes, pollution

Frustrated residents of Siddharth Vihar in Ghaziabad are raising a collective voice against severe civic neglect, highlighting a dangerous mix of unattended construction debris, growing garbage dumps, and critically deteriorating roads. The situation, particularly acute around the TNT roundabout and the stretch towards Apex Kremlin, has made daily commutes hazardous and degraded the area's air quality to alarming levels.

Infrastructure Collapse and Health Hazards

The locality's roads are now infamous for large, treacherous potholes filled with loose gravel and stones, posing a constant threat, especially to two-wheeler riders. However, the problems run deeper than just broken tarmac. Locals report that surface dust from these roads is churned into dense clouds, significantly worsening air pollution. This environmental distress is compounded by the routine dumping and subsequent burning of roadside garbage, which blankets the area in a layer of toxic smoke.

Despite Siddharth Vihar experiencing rapid population growth, its infrastructure has utterly failed to keep pace. Many residents who invested in flats here, expecting modern amenities, feel profoundly let down by the development authorities. They cite a glaring lack of essential facilities: from proper roads and streetlights to basic sanitation services and public transport connectivity.

Official Apathy and Community Concerns

NK Negi, a resident of Prateek Grand City, did not mince words, stating that the concerned departments are "sleeping on these issues," leading to all-around negligence in waste management. The area, home to approximately 3,500 residents with many more from nearby societies using its roads, also suffers from inadequate lighting, rendering it dark and unsafe after sunset.

Another resident, Manikant Upadhyay, highlighted the direct health risks posed by the night-time burning of waste, which further poisons the air they breathe. "We call for immediate action to remediate the situation and restore a safe living environment in Siddharth Vihar," said Upadhyay, echoing the community's demand.

Compounding Environmental Damage

The illegal dumping and burning of waste are creating a multi-layered environmental crisis. Beyond air pollution, these practices are aggravating soil contamination and obstructing natural water passages. This mismanagement directly leads to severe waterlogging during the monsoon rains, adding another layer of misery for the inhabitants.

Despite numerous complaints lodged with various civic agencies, residents claim no concrete or effective action has been taken to address their grievances. As the community continues to grapple with these mounting challenges, an urgent and definitive response from the authorities is still awaited.