Noida: Residents of Sector 51 have urged Noida Authority to act against the growing commercialisation of their neighbourhood. They said unauthorised study centres, food stalls, restaurants and vendors occupying footpaths have multiplied over time, affecting the residential character of the sector.The sector’s RWA has written to the Noida CEO on the matter, criticising the Authority’s inaction regarding unauthorised commercial activities that have proliferated in the neighbourhood.According to RWA general secretary of blocks C to F Sanjeev Kumar, two banquet halls have come up in the sector and plans to construct hotels in residential spaces are underway. “Footpath encroachments have not been removed, and food vans have now appeared and set up shop as well. There used to be only 10 to 12 shops near the VDS Market, but there are now more than 60 shops operating there,” Kumar said.He went on to say that PG accommodations, guest houses, girls’ hostels, etc, have opened up here. “Buildings are being rented to run hospitals and nursing homes. Banquet halls are being operated and study centres are running in basements. Is there any commercial activity that is not taking place in Sector 51 or across Noida? If so, why is it called a ‘planned city’?” he asked.A recently opened eatery taking over a footpath here has further irked residents. “Now, hotels are beginning to spring up in front of homes with open-air restaurants on footpaths,” said Kumar.“The presence of these commercial establishments not only disrupts the tranquillity of the residential community but is also against the very essence of a planned city,” said another resident.Kumar claimed that multiple complaints regarding issues such as footpath encroachments, street vendors and unauthorised food stalls have gone ignored. “Every day, our neighbourhood sinks deeper into a quagmire of unauthorised activities. We urge the Noida Authority to take our grievances seriously. If this trend continues, we will have no choice but to escalate our protests at the Authority’s gates,” he warned.The residents have called for an urgent meeting with the Noida Authority to address their escalating concerns and restore the residential character of Sector 51. An Authority response is awaited on the matter.
