Residents flag risk of Greater Noida drains

Greater Noida: Residents have once again flagged damaged and uncovered drains as a major safety hazard during monsoon, alleging that ageing drainage infrastructure has been neglected for years

Greater Noida: Residents have once again flagged damaged and uncovered drains as a major safety hazard during monsoon, alleging that ageing drainage infrastructure has been neglected for years.

A portion of a drain along the 60-metre road between Gamma 1 and Beta 1 caved in between Gamma 1 and Beta 1 caved in. (HT Photos)

Recently, a portion of a drain along the 60-metre road between Gamma 1 and Beta 1 caved in, with residents claiming they had repeatedly urged the Greater Noida authority to repair the stretch.

They said damaged drain poses a risk to pedestrians, two-wheelers and stray animals, especially during monsoon, when rainwater reduces visibility and conceals damaged sections.

“I have repeatedly urged the Greater Noida authority officials to repair damaged drains and install proper covers over open drains across the city. People and animals are at risk of falling into these drains,” said Harendra Bhati, general secretary of Beta 1.

Bhati said the authority had assured residents that the damaged drain would be repaired and covered, but no work had been carried out till Wednesday afternoon. Officials did not respond to HT requests for comment on the collapsed drain.

Residents said similar problems persist in several parts of Greater Noida, including Beta 1, Gamma 1, Delta 1 and Sector MU-2.

“There are open drains in the middle of the road in Sector MU-2, and the poor condition of the roads lead to waterlogging after rain, making the situation even more dangerous,” said Rajesh Bhati, a plot owner in Sector MU-2.

Responding to concerns about Sector MU-2, Vivek Kishor, manager at the Greater Noida Authority, said approval has been granted for replacing the drainage network in the sector. “Tenders have been approved. The work is expected to begin in around a month,” he said.

Greater Noida authority officials acknowledged the problem and said the authority is undertaking a phased reconstruction of the drainage network across the city.