Noida's Green Belts: From Pollution Buffers to Dumping Grounds
Originally conceived as vital buffers between major roads and residential sectors, Noida's green belts were intended to serve a triple purpose: curbing vehicular pollution, improving air quality, and enhancing the visual appeal of neighbourhoods. Today, however, many of these designated green spaces lie in a state of severe neglect, transformed into unsightly dumping grounds for horticultural waste and construction debris.
Widespread Neglect and Encroachment Issues
The city boasts over 350 such green belts within its notified areas, each ranging from 400 to 800 metres in length. Residents across various sectors report being repelled by the current condition of these areas. The problem is particularly acute in sectors 35, 47, 51, 36, 37, and 70, where green belts face multiple challenges.
Encroachments by food vendors and dhobis are common, while discoms frequently use these spaces to store equipment such as cables and generators. The lack of maintenance has rendered these areas ineffective for their intended environmental and aesthetic roles.
Resident Complaints and Health Hazards
Sanjay Chauhan, a resident of Sector 47, highlighted the frustration many feel. "These areas could be wonderful spaces for residents, but the lack of maintenance defeats their purpose," he said. "We don't even want to look at the space because it's so dirty, filled with trash or dried leaves. After our repeated requests, Noida Authority arranged for waste pick-ups, but the service remains erratic."
In Sector 70, residents have lodged complaints about sewage discharge into the green belt near Pan Oasis Society. Amit Chauhan, president of the apartment owners association for blocks A and B, explained, "Sewage and drain water is discharged into the green belt in front of the society. About 200 to 250 trees planted here are on the verge of dying."
He added that deep pits in the belts accumulate dirty water and rainwater, creating stagnant pools where mosquitoes breed. Additionally, dirty water from a public toilet near a private school flows into the green belt, exacerbating health risks.
Security Threats and Further Degradation
Beyond sanitation issues, security concerns have emerged. The 2,400 square metres of green cover along Shivalik Road has been in a pitiable state for three to four years. Rajeev Choudhary, general secretary of the Sector 35 RWA, noted, "The boundary wall is damaged, with plaster slabs falling apart and broken wire mesh. We've seen labourers enter the sector through broken sections, and there have been thefts recently."
In Sector 36, Ashoo Sharma, RWA vice president, reported that one green belt is used by the discom to park equipment, while the horticulture department uses another as a dump. A tent set up by the public health department for labourers has turned into a shanty used by miscreants. "The area outside the sector next to the drain is now infested with vendors, leaving no trace of the green belt," he said.
Sharma expressed disappointment over unfulfilled promises, stating, "Despite many visits to the Authority and meetings with former officials, nothing has been done. We're still waiting for improvements promised two years ago." He had proposed transforming the belt into a nature walk with amenities like waterways and an amphitheatre, but received no feedback.
Authority Response and Ongoing Challenges
Anand Mohan Singh, deputy director (horticulture) of the Noida Authority, asserted that routine cleaning is conducted. "In cases of encroachment, lack of upkeep, or fading greenery, we act when complaints are filed. We also impose fines on contractors," he told TOI. However, residents argue that sporadic actions are insufficient to address the systemic neglect plaguing these green spaces.
The degradation of Noida's green belts not only undermines their environmental benefits but also poses significant health and security risks, calling for urgent and sustained intervention from civic authorities.
