Residents of Sector 40, Noida, are an angry lot. They are up-in-arms about the alleged encroachment of the 6,000 sqm area allotted to them by the Noida Authority as a playground for this sector. They proclaim that the adjoining Khaitan Public School has illegally usurped this land and constructed a boundary wall along its periphery to control and regulate entry.
General Secretary of Sector-40 RWA, GS Bindra says that the land was originally allotted to the Sector by the Noida Authority. About 15 years back, Khaitan Public School took the grounds on the conditions of adoption. The school authorities later constructed a boundary along the periphery of the ground. Till some time back, residents and children of the sector were allowed to use the green patch. It was only about three years ago, that the school made three gates on the boundary and shut the gates. The ground is now out of bounds for the residents of the sector.
Bindra told City Spidey that as per their records, no permission was ever sought by the Noida Authority from the RWA for this. He says that the children of the sector are being denied of their right to play in the area meant for them as it has been encroached upon by the school.
The RWA took the matter to the Principal of Khaitan Public School, CEO Noida, District Magistrate of Noida, President of FONRWA and other senior officials. Bindra said that if they do not get a positive response from the school soon, they would bring it to the notice of higher authorities.
When contacted by City Spidey, Vina Ranjan, the Secretary of the Khaitan Public school, passed the call onto Rajeev Gupta, the administrator of the school. Gupta denied the allegation, saying they had never adopted any playground from the Noida Authority. He further stated that the piece of land in question was allotted to Khaitan School by Noida Authority in 1995. Gupta said, “We constructed Gate No. 2 and 3 along with the boundary wall only when the Noida Authority approved the drawings for them.”
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Executive Officer of Noida Authority, Rajesh Prakash said, “I remember 6,000 sqm of playground been given to Khaitan Public School on the condition of adoption and we will look into the matter. Action will be initiated to allow the entry of children residing in Sector 40.”
