Noida and Greater Noida: Often projected as the “show window” of Uttar Pradesh, are facing growing criticism from residents who say basic civic conditions in several sectors have deteriorated sharply. From piles of garbage and broken roads to overflowing drains and concerns about drug activity among youth, many residents are now openly questioning whether the administration has lost control of the city. The recent death of a software engineer in a construction-related accident has further intensified the debate around governance and urban management in the twin cities.
Garbage piles and poor sanitation anger residents
Several areas in Greater Noida including Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta sectors, are reportedly struggling with poor sanitation. Residents say garbage has been lying along roadsides for days or even weeks. According to residents, door-to-door waste collection vehicles are irregular and larger garbage trucks are not clearing accumulated waste on time.
In Noida’s Sector 71 and Sector 51, resident welfare associations have raised concerns that garbage piles are attracting stray animals and increasing health risks. While the Noida Authority has issued notices to some housing societies over waste management, many residents claim the response remains largely administrative on paper.
On social media platform X, several residents have been posting photographs of garbage heaps, questioning the city’s “Clean Noida” claims and demanding consistent waste collection and monitoring.
Broken roads, overflowing drains and safety risks
Infrastructure problems have also emerged as a major concern. Residents in multiple sectors have complained about damaged footpaths, loose interlocking tiles and frequent sewer overflows.
In Sector 99, broken pavements and poor drainage are reportedly common issues. Meanwhile, in Greater Noida’s Sector 150, a tragic incident earlier this year drew national attention when 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta died after his car fell into an unmarked, water-filled excavation pit at a construction site. The site reportedly lacked proper barricading and safety measures. He remained trapped for nearly two hours before rescue efforts reached him.
Following the incident, FIRs were registered against the builder and officials, and a Special Investigation Team was formed. However, residents say the investigation outcome is still awaited and are questioning how many such incidents it will take before stricter enforcement is ensured.
Open drains and leaking pipelines are also causing concern in areas such as Beta-1, Delta-1 and Sector 105. Earlier this year, several residents reportedly suffered vomiting, fever and stomach infections after consuming contaminated water.
Authorities have initiated road repair and drain covering work under projects estimated at around ₹14.6 crore. However, residents say these are temporary fixes rather than long-term infrastructure upgrades.
Concerns over drug activity among youth
Another issue worrying residents is the alleged rise in drug supply networks in parts of Noida and Greater Noida. Police operations in February 2026 reportedly led to the seizure of around 10–16 kilograms of cannabis and the arrest of several suspects.
Investigations by police stations, including Expressway and Sector-20, uncovered supply networks operating in the region. While official police data does not indicate major cases of minors directly running drug operations, residents claim that teenagers and students are increasingly being used in small-scale supply chains.
Law enforcement agencies say action is ongoing. In 2024–25, authorities used the Gangster Act and related provisions to remove 274 offenders from the area. Despite this, complaints related to cyber fraud, snatching and petty crimes continue to surface.
Residents question governance
Public frustration is increasingly visible online and in local community meetings. Many residents say complaints submitted to authorities often remain unresolved for long periods.
Some posts on X have alleged that senior officials rarely visit sectors to inspect ground conditions. Others claim that administrative delays and weak enforcement are contributing to accidents and civic failures.
Both Noida Authority and Greater Noida Authority say efforts are underway to improve sanitation, remove encroachments and strengthen anti-drug campaigns. Officials maintain that work is ongoing and conditions will improve gradually.
However many residents are now demanding stronger oversight and direct intervention from the Uttar Pradesh government, including monitoring by the office of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Experts warn of infrastructure pressure
Urban planning experts say that rapid urban expansion in Noida and Greater Noida has put heavy pressure on infrastructure and administrative capacity. They warn that issues like garbage burning, construction dust and inadequate waste processing could also worsen air pollution levels.
Once promoted as model urban centres in Uttar Pradesh, the twin cities are again in the spotlight — but this time due to concerns about civic management and safety. Whether authorities can address these challenges quickly will likely determine public confidence in the coming months, as residents say their patience is running out.