From sewer trenches to green belt? Keep your eyes on Exotica Fresco

Residents of Exotica Fresco, a residential society in Sector 137, Noida, will finally find respite from the stench emanating from big sewer trenches dug opposite the society entry gate. The trenches were dug by the builder to flood out sewage from the society illegally.

Residents have long been trying to persuade Noida Authority to turn the area into a green belt, for which it had been earmarked.

Senior citizen KK Gupta and other residents had lodged an online complaint with Noida Authority’s grievance cell. The last complaint was made on April 6 this year.

And now, finally, their prayers have been answered.

The Authority has started cleaning up the dense grass in the area. It will also develop a master green belt there. Unlike a normal green belt, a master green belt has a blanket of grass in addition to saplings.

According to officials, the paperwork for developing the master green belt was delayed by three months due to the model code of conduct operative in the state even till last month.

Rajendra Kumar, deputy director of horticulture, Noida Authority, said, “Now that we have the approval for this development, we will forward the file for e-tendering. It will take about two months to develop the area once the contract is awarded. The master green belt will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 25 lakh.”

He added, “The development will be carried out in a phased manner. In the first phase, we will level the area; in the second, we will plant grass and saplings.”

The 3.5-acre master green belt will be fenced with wires to restrict the entry of stray animals. The area will also have two rainwater-harvesting systems. 

Pramod Kumar Taragi, another resident of the society, said, “Finally, we have been heard. We have had to live for so long with the foul smell from these sewer trenches — but not any longer! It had also become a mosquito-breeding site.”