The Noida Authority has committed to removing concrete encircling trees within a week. This decision follows a formal apology delivered by the CEOs of Noida and Greater Noida to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on August 9. The apology addressed the non-compliance with a previous NGT directive which had mandated a halt to the concreting of footpaths and road berms.
The controversy began when an environmentalist filed a petition in 2022, highlighting the installation of interlocking tiles along roadsides in Greater Noida’s Alpha 2 area. This action was in direct contravention of an interim NGT order issued on March 23, 2018, which banned the concretisation of roadsides. The NGT order had stipulated the use of permeable materials such as fly ash bricks and perforated blocks to ensure that rainwater could percolate into the ground, thereby protecting tree roots. The environmentalist’s complaint prompted a temporary halt to the work by the Greater Noida CEO. However, it soon became apparent that the issue was more extensive, with numerous areas in both Noida and Greater Noida affected by the indiscriminate use of concrete. Many pedestrian pathways in these areas have been paved with a four-inch layer of cement under the tiles, obstructing the natural absorption of rainwater and suffocating tree roots.
According to environmental guidelines, a 1.5-foot zone on either side of a road should remain free of concrete to allow adequate space for tree roots. The widespread paving of pavements, whether 3 or 4 meters wide, has led to the death of some trees and has hindered the growth of others. The Noida Authority’s commitment to rectify this situation reflects a growing recognition of the need to balance urban development with environmental sustainability. The initiative to remove the concrete barriers is expected to improve the health of urban trees and enhance the overall ecological balance of the city. This step aligns with broader efforts to promote green infrastructure and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
