Dumping yard in Sec-123: Noida residents move NGT

Noida: A group of Noida residents has filed two petitions before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday to discontinue the construction of the 25-acre dumping yard in Noida Sector-123.

Indrish Gupta, a resident of Sector-123, said that the first petition seeks impleadment in the matter on behalf of the residents living nearby the upcoming landfill or dumping yard.

He said that groundwater is the only source of water in Noida and the dumping yard will contaminate it leading to numerous incurable diseases and acute shortage of drinking water in future.

The second petition is for praying to NGT for a reappraisal of the order dated May 29, 2018, which permitted Noida authority to develop a temporary dumping yard in Sector-123.

The application requests to dump the garbage at the dumping site being constructed in Astoli village, Greater Noida, which was earlier proposed by Noida authority to dump the garbage of Noida and Greater Noida.

Gupta added that though the authority has sought permission for a temporary landfill, it will become a permanent one like Ghazipur landfill in Delhi

"We cannot let that happen at any cost, as the dumping yard will soon become a home to many toxic gases and will contaminate the surroundings. It will also affect the coming generations, as the air and water will get polluted along with emanating foul smell all over the place," Gupta.

He also said that this dumping yard is totally illegal as it is violating the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The green court has ordered the authority to dump the garbage from 15th June 2016.

Gupta further said, "The next hearing in the case will be held on July 19, and if the decision goes against us, we will head to the Supreme Court to seek justice."