Residents from several societies in Ahinsa Khand 2, Indirapuram, have been complaining of severe dust pollution due to an under-construction road in the area.
The 200-m dusty stretch from Ashiana Greens till the Hindon Pusta road, which further leads to NH 24, has been under construction for over a month now. And the vehicles plying on the stretch have made things worse. It is posing health risks for the residents of the area.
The dust pollution has resulted in respiratory disorders and other allergies, especially among the children and the elderly.
Priyanka Jha, a doctor residing in Niho Scottish Gardens, confirms, "I treat about 50-60 patients from the area every day -- they are mostly suffering from respiratory ailments. The children and the senior citizens are the worst affected.” She adds, "The common problem seems to be persistent coughing. We have to often prescribe a long antibiotic course.”
In fact, residents of the area have had to bear with dust pollution for years due to loose soil on nearby Hindon Pusta road. However, work was completed earlier this year, and the situation had improved.
But things went back to square one when work commenced on the arterial road two months back. The entire stretch is now covered in loose red soil, and work has not progressed at all in the past month.
“GDA construction workers did not complete the work, and now the entire stretch is covered in loose soil. We can't even open our windows, as vehicles plying on this road further blow dust into our homes," complains DK Maurya, AOA president of Niho Scottish Gardens.
Anil Sharma, AOA president of Ashiana Upvan, another society in the area, feels the same. He adds, "Parents don't like to send their kids down to play because of the dust."
When City Spidey contacted Suhail Faridi, assistant engineer, GDA, he said construction work had been temporarily stopped due to a National Green Tribunal order, which was issued after the recent spike in air pollution in the NCR. He assures, “Work on this stretch figures in GDA’s priority list, and it will be resumed immediately. In fact, we are planning to complete the work within this month.”