Noida 7x sectors: Alarmed residents call for action against dust pollution

Noida: The residents of 7x sectors in Noida have taken a move to help the authority identify the problems because of which dust pollution is increasing in the area. For this, they have written a letter to the Noida Authority requesting to set up a Dust Management Cell as per the order of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

The residents have also attached several tweet links in the letter which showcase specific sectors of 7x where NGT norms are not being followed by the builders. The air pollution hotspots in Gautam Budh Nagar include Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, 7x sectors, Sector-150, UPSIDA Industrial Area, Hindon Pushta, Dadri Road, entire Greater Noida West, and some construction sites along the expressway. They were identified by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB).

Amit Gupta, a resident of Prateek Wisteria, Sector 77, said, “Noida 7x sectors are among one of the eight pollution hotspots across Noida. Although efforts have been made by the Noida Authority to reduce the dust pollution by creating a dust-free zone, tile work, etc but still the problem exists. Builders at sectors 74, 75, 76 and 79 are still not following NGT norms on dust pollution and no action has been taken by Noida authority yet.”

“Dumpers across 7x sectors are violating the norms. Cable work by telecom vendor, Noida Authority department and pipe repair work by Noida Authority Department Contractors are causing dust pollution. Despite orders from CAQM, the Noida Authority has not formed the cell to manage dust pollution,” he said.

Sanwarjeet Singh, a resident of Gaur Sportswood in Sector 79, said, “Noida Authority allowed to set up Construction & Demolition Waste recycling plant at Sector 80 which is adjacent to 7x sectors. These plants often flout norms as per waste management rules. They openly unload construction waste in open areas. Further, at Sector 79, builders openly put construction material they are using while developing their high rise; this also contributes a lot towards air pollution.”

“Lots of construction activities are going in sectors 116 and 117 on plots allotted and sold by Noida Authority. These allottees put sand and cement openly on sector road. Not only this, patches sector on roads of Noida and incomplete roads in front of Elite Golf Green Homes, Sector 79 also create traffic, hence contributing towards air pollution.”

Dr Pranab J Patar, CEO of Global Foundation, said, “The observation and demand of the 7x sectors residents for dust management cells are completely valid. Given the fact that we are just a few weeks away from the series of festivals and around the same time, the stubble burning practices will be at their peak, we certainly need decisive action from the authorities. There are several large and small plots around Noida, which had been allocated to the builders for development work, however many of them are still lying unutilised and exposed to sun. These plots should be covered with grass till the time construction takes place.”

Sushil Kumar Jain, President, Sector 18 Market, said, “On an average winter day, it gets difficult for one to get out because of the rising pollution levels, this seriously impacts businesses of the city as the footfall decreases in markets and people shift to e-commerce. Considering the fact that the festival season is coming, a situation wherein people stop coming out to markets will prove to be fatal and kill businesses in a period that is supposed to be the most prosperous for us. Installation of smog towers and miniature/vertical gardens in marketplaces by the Noida Authority would be highly appreciated.”