Noida: Water scarcity due to inadequate supply and leakages, and a decline in the quality of water were highlighted by the District Residents Welfare Association (DDRWA) in a meeting with Noida Authority CEO Krishna Karunesh on Thursday. Senior vice president of the association Sanjeev Kumar said with new sectors being developed and many high-rises coming up in recent years, water has become a serious issue. There are frequent leakages and a lack of adequate Ganga water supply throughout the year. “TDS level in tap water sometimes touches 2000. It is nearly four times govt’s prescribed limits. This can lead to a major health crisis. We have asked for the water quality similar to the standards in Delhi,” he said.
Seeking improved living conditions across the district, which include areas governed by the Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna authorities, the association stressed the need to have a relook at the over four-decade-old civic infrastructure of the city amid an increasing population and industrial and commercial activities. In Nov last year, TOI reported that multiple societies in the 7x sectors were being supplied with water with TDS readings between 1,000 and 3,500 mg/L — and in at least one case, more than 6,500 mg/L. Last month, several residents in Greater Noida’s Delta 1 complained of vomiting, diarrhoea and fever after sewage got mixed with the drinking water supply.Among other issues discussed were traffic jams and deteriorating road conditions. The delegation demanded road resurfacing and widening of roads and the introduction of city bus services to alleviate congestion. “Traffic congestion is a growing problem in the city, with the burgeoning of newer residential hubs amid older ones already facing the burden of a dense population and streets narrowed by encroachments. These need to be addressed,” association president NP Singh said.The need for effective waste disposal practices in compliance with guidelines was also brought up. The residents urged the Authority to engage with them in this regard. They also called for the establishment of grievance and vigilance cells within the Authority for resolving complaints. Residents demanded stricter regulations on water harvesting and conversion of leasehold land into freehold. The request, initially submitted to the Noida Board in 2018, is yet to be approved by the state govt.CEO Krishna Karunesh assured necessary actions.
