Recent order of demolition of unauthorised construction in Noida by the Allahabad High Court could prove to be a tip of the iceberg as farmers’ body of the region claims rampant illegal construction is being carried out in other Sectors too. They said several builders have been indulged in raising unauthorised structures in over dozen Sectors, including 74, 77, 116, 117, 112 and 113 flouting regulations. As per a rough estimate, the illegal construction is taking place on over 10 lakh square metres of land, which is yet to be acquired by Noida Authority.
The farmers’ unions claimed that a majority of the projects, which were approved by the Authority between 2005 and 2010, are illegal as they have not followed norms laid by the apex court and other departments. They alleged that construction work is being undertaken on green belts, which come under the forest area. The Supreme Court, in its decision in 2002, has also ordered authorities not to allow construction work on such lands but rampant illegal construction is on large scale here. “To maintain green pockets, gram panchayats had given lands to Forest Department which cannot be acquired ever. The builders managed to get just little portion of lands besides green pockets but expanded construction activities in these pockets as well. They started selling flats to buyers by telling half truths and even they have sold more than 75 per cent flats illegally in this region,” said Naresh Yadav, president, land Management Committee (Noida).
Dushyant Nagar, convener, Kisan Sangharsh Samiti (KSS), said they had earlier raised their voice against illegal activities by real estate firms but no action was uninitiated. Now they have decided to move Supreme Court for seeking a stay on these projects. “We have got a ray of hope from the recent order and have decided to restart our agitation. The order of Allahabad High Court will strengthen our stand,” said Nagar.
Meanwhile, officials of Noida Authority said they are in the process of acquiring land after talks with farmers. “We had purchased lands earlier and are in dialogue with farmers again. Hopefully, we will provide land to builders as soon as possible,” said Manoj Rai, OSD, Noida Authority.