In the aftermath of severe flooding in Noida’s Hindon and Yamuna riverbeds, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Noida authority, Dr. Lokesh M, has directed departments to conduct a thorough physical survey of each illegal farmhouse constructed in the affected areas. The decision came after a site inspection by Dr. Lokesh M, who found illegal constructions submerged in floodwaters, endangering the lives of residents.
A private parking lot in Noida’s Sector 143 was among the areas inspected, which was completely submerged in the Hindon floodplain. Drones were utilized to survey the entire floodplain of the Yamuna River, and fortunately, the water levels have now receded from the danger level.
The main focus of the survey is to check the land records of each plot on which illegal farmhouses or any other unlawful constructions have taken place, violating the rules and posing a risk to those who have purchased plots for residential or farmhouse purposes. The authorities aim to verify the khasra number and khata number of agricultural land in the government’s records.
Rambir Singh, a farmer from Sorkha village, stressed the importance of conducting proper verifications to determine the extent of government land encroached upon by the land mafia. He urged the government to take strict measures to prevent further illegal constructions in the floodplain, which could lead to more tragedies in the future.
The Yamuna River has become a hotbed for illegal farmhouses, while the Hindon floodplain has seen a surge in illegal colonies due to the booming real estate sector in Noida and Greater Noida. Environmental activist Akash Vashishtha raised concerns over the damage to the riverbeds, which is resulting in the contamination of the city’s groundwater table.
CEO Lokesh M clarified that their immediate priority is to assist flood victims, and once the flood situation is under control, the authority will proceed with the physical verification of land records for each farmhouse. Subsequently, a demolition drive will be initiated to address the issue of illegal construction.