Noida: Noida Authority has set a July 15 deadline to complete the cleaning of all drains even as monsoon sets in. The Authority also launched on Thursday a dedicated helpline — 0120-2423795 — for residents to report complaints amid waterlogging in different parts of the city.Residents, however, said the Authority failed to begin drain-cleaning work before the onset of the monsoon despite repeated requests. President of Sector 34 RWA KK Jain said the city faces waterlogging every monsoon because desilting is delayed. “We repeatedly urged the Authority to clean the drains before the rains. However, as the drain was not cleaned, the sector faced heavy waterlogging on Thursday,” he said.Noida MLA Pankaj Singh also reviewed the situation in a meeting with Authority officials and directed them to complete drain cleaning on priority. He also instructed the Authority to constitute 24×7 quick-response teams equipped with the necessary machinery to deal with waterlogging and other monsoon-related emergencies.Noida Authority general manager SP Singh said contractors were engaged to clean drains across the city. “Several drains have already been cleaned, while the remaining work will be completed by mid-month,” he said. Drain cleaning has been completed in sectors 40, 62, 63, 64, 71, 127, 126, 133, Phase 2 and other areas. However, fresh tenders have been issued for drain-cleaning work in sectors 105, 122, 128 and the Hosiery Complex, among other locations.Severely affected areas included DSC Road near GIP Mall — parallel to the new street market — where there was heavy waterlogging. The ARTO office in Sector 33 was also flooded with stormwater and the transport department’s functioning was halted. Local residents also complained of traffic jams near Gaur City. Traffic was also disrupted after a truck broke down on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway near the Chilla border. In another incident, a truck overturned near Mahamaya Flyover, further affecting traffic movement.General manager in charge of the Jal department RP Singh said the Authority has identified low-lying stretches and underpasses that are vulnerable to waterlogging. “Motor pumps have already been installed and staff deployed at critical locations, including the underpasses at Sector 37, Sector 18, Sector 71, Rajnigandha Chowk and Dalit Prerna Sthal. During heavy rainfall, temporary waterlogging does occur, but the accumulated stormwater is pumped into drains and eventually discharged into Yamuna,” he said.Noida Authority has also operationalised a 24×7 call centre to handle waterlogging complaints. “Teams are working in rotational shifts round the clock. Complaints are immediately forwarded to the concerned department, which takes prompt action to clear the affected areas,” Singh said.Call centre staff said around 20 complaints were received on Thursday from different parts of the city. “Residents from sectors 12, 22 and 27, besides Barola and Sarfabad, reported waterlogging. The complaints have been forwarded to the respective work circles for immediate action,” an official said.In Greater Noida area, Authority officials visited different sectors to take necessary measures and address waterlogging. Greater Noida Authority CEO NG Ravi Kumar directed officers and employees to remain in the field in view of the heavy rainfall and ensure that any waterlogging issues were addressed immediately.Accordingly, ACEO Srilakshmi VS inspected Sector Ecotech-2 and nearby areas, while ACEO Sumit Yadav reviewed the situation in Ecotech-3 and along the 130-metre road. GM AK Singh and DGM Vijay Kumar Rawal inspected Bennett University area, Sirsa roundabout and adjoining areas. The officials said teams were also cleaning the drains in sectors and villages.
