Greater Noida Pushes Sewage Plan to Revive Polluted Lohia Drain
Authorities in Greater Noida are drafting a sewage treatment plan for the polluted Lohia drain to curb ecological damage and public health risks in the area. The 23-km stormwater channel, which carries industrial and domestic waste to the Hindon river, has long been a source of concern due to foul odours, mosquito breeding, and groundwater contamination. A private firm has proposed a solution in alignment with CPCB norms, as part of a renewed push for environmental compliance.
The Lohia drain, flowing through several residential and industrial belts before merging with the Hindon river, continues to be a major pollution hotspot in Greater Noida. For years, untreated sewage discharge into the drain has caused environmental degradation, unpleasant odours, and health hazards for nearby communities. A previous rejuvenation plan proposed in 2023 by the local authority made little headway, but renewed efforts now seek to address the problem more sustainably. Officials confirmed that a private firm recently presented a detailed blueprint based on ground-level surveys and water sampling. The proposal includes installing a sewage treatment system that meets Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) discharge norms. The authority has asked the firm for a more detailed report assessing technical feasibility, risk mitigation, and time-bound implementation strategies. If successful, the plan would not only clean the drain but also prevent further contamination of the Hindon and its connected water bodies.
Health and environmental experts say that failure to treat the Lohia drain has compounded public risks, especially in densely populated areas. The open channel often overflows during monsoons, causing sewage to seep into roads and homes, while also increasing the presence of disease vectors like mosquitoes. Residents have reported higher incidences of respiratory problems, waterborne illnesses, and poor air quality due to the stagnating wastewater. Experts caution that unless urgent interventions are carried out and monitored, the problem may escalate further, affecting both human and ecological health. Environmentalists have also flagged concerns about downstream impacts, particularly the drain’s effect on agriculture through contaminated runoff. With the current plan under review, authorities are under growing pressure to fast-track approvals, ensure inter-departmental coordination, and involve public health and environmental experts in finalising a robust, long-term solution. Success here could serve as a model for similar urban drainage systems across the country.
The Greater Noida authority’s renewed focus on the Lohia drain offers a glimmer of hope for reversing years of unchecked pollution. While the blueprint aligns with environmental standards, its success hinges on timely execution, transparent monitoring, and sustained civic engagement. Addressing the health and ecological risks posed by the drain is critical not only for the city’s residents but also for restoring the broader Hindon river ecosystem. If implemented effectively, this could become a turning point in the region’s urban sanitation and environmental management strategy—offering cleaner surroundings, healthier communities, and a more sustainable urban future.
