NOIDA: Following the tragic death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta, who fell into a water-filled construction trench in Sector 150, the Noida Authority has launched a citywide initiative for road repairs and enhancements in traffic safety. They have pinpointed 65 high-risk areas lacking fundamental safety measures and will issue notices to developers to improve protective measures at construction sites to avert similar accidents.
According to authorities, many identified locations are associated with private developers and lack crucial safety features, including barriers, warning signs, reflectors, and proper road layouts. A survey has categorized these areas as major and minor vulnerabilities.
Sites under the Authority’s jurisdiction must be remedied within one week. For those managed by private developers or agencies, security measures are to be prioritized and enforced with deadlines set for February 20, with penalties for non-compliance.
Throughout Noida, prolonged neglect of deep excavations on both residential and commercial properties has led to significant safety concerns along major thoroughfares.
A recent report by TOI titled ‘ENTRENCHED DANGER’ highlighted numerous such sites in sectors 32, 85, 150, and 154, many alarmingly situated near busy roads. These plots show steep declines, dense vegetation, and protruding concrete columns, yet lack even basic safety precautions.
One of the most perilous sections is on Shivalik Marg near the Sector 32 metro station, where the ground suddenly drops into a deep pit. Barricades designed to prevent vehicles from falling have collapsed, and temporary metal sheets have been displaced, creating hazardous gaps. Another dangerous area near the Janpath Marg roundabout close to the Sector 85 police chowki features a vacant plot that is waterlogged and filled with hyacinth and sewage.
Similar issues are evident in Sector 150 near Tata Eureka Park, where many construction sites were abandoned after the Authority suspended approval of revised layout plans in 2021, following a Comptroller and Auditor General report citing irregularities. Since then, many excavated areas have remained exposed, becoming potential hazards.
With road repairs underway, Noida’s acting CEO Krishna Karunesh has instructed that areas where resurfacing hasn’t occurred in the last four to five years should have estimates prepared and repairs initiated by the first week of March.
Blocked or encroached left turns throughout the city will also be assessed and cleared, with the civil department directed to collaborate with other divisions and commence the tendering process within a month.
At other identified black spots under the Authority’s care, safety enhancements will be prioritized. These locations will receive guardrails, signage, road markings, streetlights, and other necessary infrastructure to mitigate accident risks.
Manpower shortages were also highlighted. Due to a lack of sanitary inspectors impacting sanitation services, the Authority has mandated the recruitment of 20 inspectors via the government e-Marketplace and warned that any negligent officials will face strict action.
Noida has also committed to addressing drainage issues highlighted by this incident. Plans are in motion to improve drainage systems and construct sump wells in 12 village areas across the city. Some projects are already underway while others are pending. Officials noted that waterlogging is a major contributor to numerous accidents.
Furthermore, a thorough drainage survey of the entire city will be conducted to pinpoint weak spots, overflow areas, and chronic waterlogging locations. “Our focus now is on proactively identifying risks rather than merely reacting post-tragedy,” stated an official.
