Greater Noida Grapples with Sewage Menace Long After Monsoon
Months after the monsoon season ended, residents of Greater Noida continue to battle a severe public health crisis caused by overflowing sewage and stagnant, foul water on internal sector roads and in public parks. The persistent problem, stemming from aged and choked drainage infrastructure, has turned daily life into a struggle and raised serious health concerns for thousands.
Residents' Lives Disrupted by Overflowing Sewers
The situation is particularly dire in sectors like Alpha 1, where foul water has seeped into homes on at least three separate occasions in recent months. NP Singh, the RWA general secretary of Sector Alpha 2, highlighted the scale of the issue, stating that nearly 10,000 residents in his sector are affected. He expressed frustration over 18 months of complaints yielding little action from the Greater Noida Development Authority (GNIDA).
Blocks F and H are reported to be the worst-hit areas. For residents like Sheetal Baisoya from C-466, Sector Beta 1, even a simple task like stepping out for groceries has become an "uphill task," forcing her to wade through sewage water right outside her gate.
"The sewage overflow on internal roads is not just an inconvenience; it is becoming a serious hazard," said Harinder Bhati, a resident of Sector Beta 1. The problem extends to green spaces as well. Alok Nagar from Sector Delta 2 reported pools of stagnant water accumulating in the I block park for over three weeks, rendering it unusable due to the unbearable stench for nearby residents.
NGT Intervention Yet to Show Ground Results
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had constituted a joint committee to address the flow of sewage into open areas and stormwater drains. This committee, comprising officials from the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and senior GNIDA authorities, was given 10 weeks to implement corrective measures and submit an action-taken report.
However, residents report that little action is evident on the ground despite the tribunal's orders. The authorities' response has been fragmented. A senior manager from the Authority's sewer department acknowledged a choked sewer line in Block E of Sector Beta 1, assuring cleanup within two days, but this addresses only a fraction of the widespread issue.
Broader Civic Demand for Infrastructure Overhaul
The crisis in Greater Noida mirrors broader infrastructural failures in the region. The Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Associations (FONRWA) has escalated the matter, with its general secretary KK Jain writing to Noida CEO Lokesh M on Monday. Jain highlighted that sewer-related problems remain serious, especially in older sectors of Noida, including Sectors 39, 37, 47, 51, 19, and 82.
In his letter, Jain made two critical demands:
- Priority replacement of damaged and old sewer lines.
- Regular and mandatory testing of water in every supply tank during morning and evening supply hours to ensure safe drinking water.
Frustration is boiling over among the citizenry. Alok Nagar emphasized, "Clean water and air are our fundamental rights. If the situation does not improve, we might have to protest." The ongoing crisis underscores a critical failure in civic maintenance and poses a significant threat to public health and quality of life in Greater Noida, demanding immediate and comprehensive intervention from the development authorities.
