He highlighted the sanitation and safety issues that have arisen due to the presence of these shanties. “If this issue is not checked, then it won’t be long before the green belt is encroached upon by a cluster of such makeshift huts,” Jain stated. The residents have already informed the Noida Authority officials about the matter, but there has been no redress so far. Dr. Tarsem Chandra, the RWA president of Sector 12, suggested reporting the matter to the police, noting that similar encroachments are occurring across the city. Jain emphasized that the huts seem to be occupied by laborers, but stressed that a green belt cannot be used for living. “We do not know where they have come from and what work they are engaged in. But they can’t occupy a green belt. Besides, this situation has led to hygiene and security issues for the residents of the area as they are using the green belt for living purposes,” he added.

Kendriya Vihar, a large society with over 200 flats spread across its five towers, is centrally located near Wave City Sector 37 and Sector 34 metro stations. The residents have approached the Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Associations (FONRWA) office bearers, who have urged them to submit a written petition to the CEO of Noida Authority. Anand Mohan Singh, the deputy director of the horticulture department, assured that the matter would be looked into.

The residents are hopeful that the Noida Authority will take swift action to remove the encroachments and restore the green belt to its original state. This issue highlights the ongoing struggle between urban development and the preservation of green spaces, a challenge faced by many growing cities.