Sector 51: Residents oppose the demolishing of walls at the park and raise their voices against the commercial activity

Noida: There has been a violation of the lease deed and the residents of sector 51 have raised their voices after the demolition of the boundary wall of a children’s park in the area was razed and a big portion of the park was allotted for commercial use. Apart from being illegal, it is also against the NGT guidelines.

Earlier, the Noida authority allotted a huge portion of the park to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the construction of a Metro station and now, another big portion has been allotted for commercial use, thereby reducing the green belt area, said residents, who demanded that the authority should stop the works being taken up at the park.

Sanjiv Kumar, Secretary, DDRWA, Sector 51 says “The boundary wall of the children’s park in Sector 51 has been razed and around 15m wide area has been taken over for commercial purposes. Similar activity was carried out a few years ago and a major portion of the park was given to the DMRC for a Metro project. The park area is constantly becoming smaller and the green belt area has almost vanished.”

He continues, “As per the NGT guidelines, no construction can be taken up in the green belt area and yet, the authority is providing the parking area for commercial use to a private company, which is a violation of the lease deed.”

Residents of Sector 51 alleged that they now hardly have any space left for recreational activity at the park.

Manmohan Marwah, a resident of Sector 51 says, “The construction work in the park is causing us a great inconvenience. With construction material spread over a large portion of the park, there is a lot of dust flying around and the park is no longer suitable for walks.”

Noida authority officials informed that the project undertaken at the park is part of the global investors’ summit.

Anand Mohan, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, Noida Authority says, “The private Japan-based company has to develop a commercial complex in the area which is a ₹250 crore project and a part of the global investors’ summit. The DMRC was given a portion as it was the need of the hour for the development of Sector 52 Metro station. These are developmental works that are being done for public welfare.”

He continues, “The space occupied for keeping construction material in the park is only temporary for the convenience of construction workers and the area will be freed up once the constriction is complete.”