Noida: Budgetary sanction for Ganda Nallah Project

Noida: The much-awaited project to clean 'ganda nallah' (stormwater drain) in Arun Vihar, Noida is soon to see the light of the day. For the last three decades residents of Sector 28, 29, and Sector 37 of Arun Vihar, Noida are tolerating the unbearable stench emanating from this open drain passing through the middle of Arun Vihar Society.

A meeting was held between Arun Vihar RWA’s, Noida Authority, and  National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) on December 21, 2021. Initially, the meeting was held at the AVRWA office, Sector-37, NOIDA, which also included multiple site inspections. This joint meeting was held at Noida Authority’s invitation. Several points were discussed in the meeting by NEERI like quality categorization for sewage water coming into the nallah, the quality and quantity of water flow in the nallah from four different points, and many more.

Arun Vihar’s main population includes several 70 plus retired Defense officers. These ex-servicemen have taken up a campaign to get freedom from this dirt.

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Earlier, a meeting was held on November 10, 2021, among Noida Authority officials, NEERI Dr. Ritesh Vijay, along with Dr. Sanjeev Goyal, another well-known scientist from NEERI, Delhi. By the efforts of the residents, this meeting was held virtually to find the best practical solution to resolve the issue in question. In conclusion to the meeting, NEERI Officers said that they will visit Noida.

In the discussion, the NEERI advised the Noida Authority for early completion of lining work of the Arun Vihar stormwater drain. They further suggested the authority to prepare an estimate for creating the retention wall in the centre of Ganda Nallah for in situ Treatment. Water treatment involves mixing and dosing chemical reagents directly into the affected water body. During the site's inspection, the joint team identified two places in Sector-29 to begin this operation. One behind the Christ Church and another Brahmaputra Market Complex (adjacent to Ward-6, Park View). Noida Authority has informed the team that they have budgetary sanctions for Ganda Nallah Project. It is waiting for CAG approval, which too is likely to happen soon.

Rakhi Sinha, resident of Arun Vihar and part of the Nallah committee says, “The constant toxic gaseous emissions, garbage dumping in the drain, and unsightly looks are the problems that the Arun Vihar residents have to face. We are battling with this obnoxious 18 m wide open drain, flowing through AV’s 3 Sectors-28, 29, 37. Arun Vihar (AV) Ganda Nallah's issues are over three decades. The situation of the drain is worsening with each passing day. To push this budgetary sanction for the Ganda Nallah Project, as prepared by the Noida Authority, we have already initiated a pursuit with the higher officials”.

Kavita Jamil, vice-chairperson, Arun Vihar RWA [AVRWA], says, “This meeting was done after a long chase. We are hopeful this time. The technology that will be used for the work upon Ganda Nallah is all-natural based and it’s not very expensive. According to the officials, this technique will give much faster results”.