Noida Residents Demand Quick Response Team After Tragic Drowning in Construction Pit
In the wake of the tragic drowning of 27-year-old Yuvraj Mehta in a water-filled construction pit in Sector 150 on January 17, members of a district residents' welfare association (DDRWA) have raised serious concerns about long-standing civic neglect. On Wednesday, the delegation met with additional chief executive officers (ACEOs) Soumya Srivastava and Srilakshmi VS at the Greater Noida Authority to advocate for urgent improvements in emergency response systems.
Delayed Rescue Operations Highlight Systemic Failures
The incident has exposed critical gaps in Noida's emergency infrastructure. Currently, emergency response operations are handled by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units stationed in Ghaziabad. On the night of January 16-17, the SDRF team from Ghaziabad took at least 70 minutes to reach the accident spot in Sector 150 after Mehta's first SOS call to his father at 12:04 am. The NDRF unit took nearly two hours to arrive at the scene.
According to police reports, Yuvraj Mehta managed to stay afloat until approximately 1:30 am, after which his cries for help ceased. Statements recorded by a three-member special investigation team (SIT) revealed that rescue agencies offered differing explanations for the delay, citing equipment constraints, adverse weather conditions, and poor visibility as contributing factors.
Residents' Demands for Enhanced Emergency Preparedness
The DDRWA delegation emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated quick response team specifically for the district. They also demanded helicopter support to effectively handle accidents in construction pits and fires in high-rise societies and nearby villages. These demands come amid growing frustration among residents about the inadequacy of current emergency services.
In January, Dadri MLA Tejpal Nagar had already written to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, seeking the deployment of an SDRF or NDRF unit within Noida to reduce response times during emergencies.
Authority's Response and Proposed Solutions
Greater Noida Authority officials informed the RWA delegation that a recent joint meeting of all three authorities had discussed plans to station NDRF personnel in Greater Noida to enable faster emergency response. Additional CEO Soumya Srivastava stated, "We have received a request from the NDRF for residential accommodation with storage space for equipment, as they currently operate out of Ghaziabad and have limited facilities in Noida."
Plans are underway to provide approximately 60 residential units with equipment storage in Sector Omicron, which would allow NDRF personnel to respond more swiftly during emergencies. Srivastava added that a quick response team (QRT) would also be deployed soon to handle disaster management and emergency situations effectively.
Additional Measures for Fire Safety and Emergency Services
The fire department is in the process of procuring a hydraulic platform with a reach of up to 200 meters, along with other advanced firefighting equipment. Furthermore, the proposal for helicopter services will be presented before the boards of the three authorities for approval, potentially revolutionizing emergency response capabilities in the region.
This tragic incident has sparked a crucial conversation about urban safety and emergency preparedness in rapidly developing areas like Noida. Residents and authorities alike recognize that systemic changes are necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure that help arrives promptly when lives are at stake.
