Noida: Concerns have been raised over the alleged extraction of groundwater and discharge of construction-related wastewater into stormwater drains near the under-construction IKEA mall in Sector 51, Noida. A Sector 51 resident, Sanjeev Kumar, has urged the Noida Authority to investigate the matter and take immediate corrective action.
In his complaint, Kumar alleged that groundwater extracted during the mall’s construction is being discharged into the sector’s drains. He said these drains are intended primarily to carry rainwater during the monsoon and should not be used to dispose of wastewater generated during construction activities.
Resident raises concerns over groundwater depletion
Kumar claimed that construction activity at the site has significantly affected the surrounding area’s groundwater levels. He expressed concern that continued groundwater extraction could worsen water scarcity in and around Sector 51.
According to him, the water being discharged into the drains could potentially be reused for construction work instead of being wasted. He has called for an investigation into the source of the water and the manner in which it is being handled at the construction site.
The allegations have raised questions about groundwater conservation and the management of water used during large-scale construction projects. However, the extent of groundwater depletion and its direct connection to the construction activity have not been independently established.
Demand for treated water and proper wastewater management
Kumar said construction projects should use treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs), wherever applicable, instead of relying unnecessarily on groundwater resources.
He also stressed that the responsibility for managing wastewater generated during construction should rest with the project developer. According to his complaint, water discharged into the drains could be put to productive use at the construction site, subject to its suitability for the intended purpose.
He has urged the authorities to examine whether the construction site is following applicable norms for water use, wastewater management and groundwater conservation.
Noida Authority urged to intervene
Kumar has appealed to the Noida Authority to inspect the site, verify the allegations and ensure compliance with applicable construction and environmental regulations.
He has also sought immediate steps to prevent the alleged discharge of construction-related wastewater into the sector’s stormwater drains and to promote the responsible use of water at the project site.
The complaint places the spotlight on the need for effective monitoring of water management practices at construction sites, particularly in urban areas where groundwater conservation remains an important concern.
Official response awaited
The allegations made by Sanjeev Kumar have not been independently verified. The quantity and source of the water being discharged, the status of groundwater levels in the surrounding area and the project’s compliance with applicable regulations would need to be established through an official inspection.
A response from the Noida Authority and IKEA or the concerned project developer was not available at the time of writing.