1.6k factories, 2 pumps, choked drains: Why Ecotech-3 turns a flood zone

Noida: Waterlogging continues to plague Ecotech-3, the largest industrial cluster under the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), during the monsoon, with inadequate drainage leaving roads and industrial units flooded. The area houses more than 1,600 industrial units, including large manufacturers, garment exporters, aerospace parts and automobile companies, besides MSMEs. The weekend showers have once again exposed the area's drainage shortcomings. 'Despite yearly assurances from authorities to resolve the persistent issue, this year has proved no different, with entrepreneurs facing devastating losses of nearly Rs 15 to Rs 20 lakhs due to inadequate drainage infrastructure during the monsoon season,' Amit Upadhyay, president, Industrial Business Association (IBA), Ecotech 3, said. The area is home to several prominent manufacturers and multinational corporations such as New Holland Tractors, Yamaha and various engineering firms, and plays a significant role in the state's economy. The region's drainage systems, however, have not been updated to accommodate the rapid industrial growth, leading to severe flooding during heavy rainfall, entrepreneurs claim. Streets here are left inundated after showers year after year, entrepreneurs say The IBA had previously raised demands for several high-capacity dewatering pumps to be deployed in preparation for the monsoon, but GNIDA officials failed to act adequately. 'Our repeated calls for preventive measures and proper drainage infrastructure were ignored. The situation in Udyog Kendra-2 is particularly dire, with areas completely submerged and businesses at a standstill,' Upadhyay said. He added that many people suffered loss of raw materials on top of financial losses, as materials were submerged in rainwater. The workforce also took a hit as employees could not make it to work due to the possibility of having to wade through knee-deep water, while some had to leave early because of flooding. According to entrepreneurs, the area's drainage system, installed during the initial phases of industrial development, is outdated. 'The current infrastructure is woefully inadequate, with blocked drains contributing to extensive accumulation of rainwater. The drain leading towards the police lines is not only blocked but has also overflowed, inundating the vicinity under knee-deep water. How can we expect to manage rainwater with just two small pumps when we have so many units affected?' an industrialist said. The damage inflicted by the waterlogging extends beyond physical property. Entrepreneurs said they are grappling with substantial financial losses from damaged machinery, raw materials and finished goods, threatening the viability of their businesses. 'The lack of proper infrastructure has caused irreparable damage to our investments. This crisis is not just a seasonal inconvenience; it's a matter of survival for many of us,' a factory owner said. Calling out the Authority for prioritising revenue collection over essential services, the IBA has demanded immediate action be taken to fix the issue. 'The association has called for the deployment of at least 10 to 15 high-capacity dewatering pumps to address the urgent situation. Additionally, we have urged GNIDA to construct a scientifically designed, permanent stormwater drainage system, ensuring that such crises are averted in the future,' Upadhyay added. The IBA has also asked affected entrepreneurs to compile detailed assessments of their losses and submit compensation claims to GNIDA. 'The Authority must be held accountable for its failure to provide the necessary infrastructure. We will not stand by as our businesses suffer,' Upadhyay went on to say. Should there be no satisfactory response from GNIDA, the industrial community plans to organise peaceful and democratic protests to assert their rights. 'This is not just about us, it's about protecting jobs and the entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports countless families,' another entrepreneur added. A response from GNIDA is awaited on the matter. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Noida | Silver Rate in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida | Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Petrol Price in Noida | Diesel Price in Noida | CNG Price in Noida | LPG Price in Noida Stay updated with the latest Noida news. Download the TOI App.