Putting a ban on use of diesel generators under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Protection and Control) Authority (EPCA) has created a lot of confusion among the residents living in highrises in Noida and Greater Noida.
People living in multi-storey residential societies are dependent on DG sets for power backup and to keep the services operational on 24x7 basis.
The EPCA has recommended for a ban on use of DG sets in highrises, putting certain conditions which are making confusion among the management of the societies and residents whether to use DG sets or not, however, lack of an alternative plan for power backup prompting them to use DG sets.
Builder or the management team of the societies have received circular from EPCA in the regard, however, lack of clarity in the matter forcing them to reach out to regional office of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to have more clarity on the direction and also to avoid punitive action.
Residents who spoke to CitySpidey, however, said they did not get clear information from UPPCB also.
To give the residents of the societies a clear message amid confusion, management team in some societies have issued circular to inform the residents that DG sets are operational during emergency as they have no alternative plan. Residents also told City Spidey that from last couple of days, there has been lesser power cuts as compared to earlier.
In fact, the residents of Greater Noida West have called GRAP as half prepared plan with lack of clarities.
Manish Kumar, an active resident who live in Arihant Arden said, “This half-prepared GRAP has created confusion among the residents. EPCA said DG sets would not be allowed to function then why notices were not issued before and the authorities were directed to arrange an alternative system? Even the UPPCB is not much clear on what stage DG sets would be allowed or not.”
After putting a ban on use of DG sets, EPCA is facing queries from across the section of people who are finding difficult to implement its order in lack of other alternatives. Every year ahead of Diwali, EPCA frame a guideline (GRAP) to follow during the winter when air quality worsens in Delhi-NCR.
The winter has been challenging for the people in Delhi nearly for one decade as the air quality became toxic and life threatening. People of Noida and Greater Noida too have started experiencing the same from last few years.
Vikash Kumar, President of Apartment Owners Association (AOA) of Panchsheel Greens said, “After receiving EPCA’s directive we were confused. However, it is also a fact that some emergency services like water and lifts cannot stop even for one minute. I discussed this with the residents and the builder on this matter and decided to use DG sets during emergency.”
