Noida residents concerned over depleting greenery

Visitors at the Noida flower show voiced concerns over the lax attitude of the state government and Noida authority in the maintenance of wetlands and green resources.

As hundreds of Noida residents enjoyed the flowers, food and other events on the first day of flower show at the Noida stadium on Friday, they also discussed the alarming rate of pollution in the district. Several nature lovers raised concerns about the depleting greenery in the Noida-Greater Noida belt.

A family poses for a selfie on the first day of Noida flower show. (Virendra Singh Gosain/HT Photo)

“I have been a resident of Greater Noida for the last 30 years. Earlier, the entire area was covered in lush greenery and it was almost a jungle. Slowly, with urbanisation, developers kept on erecting building and the green cover kept on depleting. Today, Noida is on its way to becoming the next concrete jungle after Gurgaon. It is hardly the end of February and already the temperature is 24 degrees Celsius,” Gunakar Yadav of Dankaur said.

Several residents were concerned also about the lax attitude of the state government and Noida authority in the maintenance of wetlands and green resources.

“There are many wetlands that are lying unattended and, now, they are swamped with garbage and industrial waste. The apathy of the government is shocking. We as citizens are doing our bit but unless the laws are stricter, the situation won’t improve,” Pooja Singh of Sector 55 said.

On the other hand, officials of the authority also spoke about the importance of citizens’ initiatives in preserving the environment.

“There is no doubt that corruption and apathy of government officials are the main reasons behind depleting green resources. The citizens should also be aware and do their bit towards the environment. Merely cribbing won’t serve any purpose. If they help preserve the nature, they are investing in the future of their children,” SP Tripathi, assistant manager, horticulture department, Greater Noida, said.

School students also stressed on the need to introduce initiatives such as tree plantation and gardening in schools and colleges.

“Schools can also do their bit by asking students to grow saplings on campus. We can also study about gardening in a fun-filled manner. Students are the future and they must understand that the responsibility of saving nature rests on their shoulders too,” Jeevan Halder, Class 7 student of Gopal Sarvodaya Public School, Mamura, said.