It all starts with a land measuring 359875 square metres that has been earmarked for the development of a park by Noida Authority.
The residents of Prateek Wisteria, a residential society in Noida Sector 77, have demanded that the encroachment on the vacant plot that lies between their society and Skytech Matroit, in Sector 76 be removed. Allegedly villagers from Sorkha are responsible for the encroachment of this land measuring 359875 square metres. The residents claim that the land had been earmarked for the development of a park by Noida Authority.
Nisha Rai, secretary of Prateek Wisteria Society informed City Spidey that there is an ongoing dispute between the Noida Authority and the villagers in terms of the land and the matter is pending in the High Court. “More than 100 shanties and small shops have gradually been developed here by the villagers. We have also met the officials of Noida Authority and written several letters to them for removing these illegal structures. However, no action has been taken,” said Rai.
Residents have incidentally been demanding for the demolition of the temporary huts built over this land, much before the infamous mob violence (by encroachers) happened at Mahagun Moderne last July. However, it was only after this incident that the Authority started waking up to the issue of encroachment.
Rai also said that the encroachers do not have proper waste disposal facilities that make matters worse. Most jhuggis (slum clusters) have built illegal toilets without any proper sewer connection that clogs the drains. Needless to say, encroachment also has ramifications in terms of the safety and security of residents.
“We will wait for the Authority to act upon our request. If they fail to remove these encroachments within the next few days, we shall approach the senior most people at the district administration. We shall also try to meet the local MP and MLA,” Rai informed.
City Spidey got in touch with Rajesh Singh, who has been appointed as the OSD (Officer on Special Duty) on this matter. He informed, “The land is disputed and the matter is in the court. Therefore no action can be taken over the land. However, the residents should appeal to the court to remove all the illegal structures. Action can be taken once the court issues an order to the authority.”
