Ghaziabad Luxury Condos Face Sewage Crisis
Expensive condos in the National Capital Region (NCR) often boast sparkling pools in their glossy brochures, but residents of Prateek Grand City in Siddharth Vihar, Ghaziabad, are facing a grim reality. A stagnant pool of sewage water on the service road near the Carnesia commercial area has turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, emitting a foul stench. Owners who paid upward of Rs 1.5 crore for their apartments are far from feeling 'uber cool.'
Residents Voice Concerns
Gaurav Goyal, a resident, stated, 'Sewer water has been accumulating along the roadside on a stretch of approximately 300 metres, extending to gate number 1 of our complex for the past three weeks. The stagnant, dirty water with the foul odour has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.' He added that the water is damaging the roads, creating potholes, and making commuting difficult. 'We are afraid that if the issue is not resolved soon, it may lead to the spread of serious diseases during summer,' Goyal said.
The area falls under the Uttar Pradesh Housing Development Board. Residents claim that repeated complaints have gone unheard, prompting them to take to social media to voice their concerns. Plastic trash floats on the pool, adding to the unsanitary conditions.
Blockages Blamed for Overflow
Residents believe that blockages in the sewage system have caused the overflow. NK Negi, another resident, said, 'The situation is challenging for pedestrians and motorists, as parking and commuting have become difficult.' Jaikumar Sharma, a resident, expressed frustration: 'The remaining sections of the road are on the verge of crumbling. The builder appears completely indifferent, and the housing board has taken no cognisance of the matter. It seems everything has been left entirely to God.'
Sharma sent a formal complaint to the commissioner of the housing board on Monday, detailing the unsanitary conditions and the need for immediate intervention. 'We have faced indifference for too long and cannot let this issue go unnoticed,' he said.
Official Response Draws Skepticism
Vikas Gautam, executive engineer of the UP housing board in Ghaziabad, told the Times of India that the water is not from the sewer but rainwater that has accumulated. 'We are making arrangements to drain it,' he said. However, residents remain unconvinced. They argue that the light showers over the past few weeks and temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius make it impossible for water to sit on the road for such a long period.
