Deer park vs 'ghost park': Noida halts crematorium revamp near Biodiversity zone

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The Noida Authority has stopped the redevelopment of a crematorium inside the Sector 91 Biodiversity Park following complaints from residents of nearby housing societies, who argue that the project violates urban planning norms and threatens the park’s ecological balance, TOI reported.

The Biodiversity Park, spread over 110 acres and developed under a Rs 100-crore ecological project, is often referred to as the city’s "green lungs." Plans are also underway to introduce a deer park and sunset safari on 30 acres of the park, with an estimated budget of Rs 40 crore. However, the proposed crematorium located just 50 metres from Gate No. 2 and within 200 metres of residential areas in Sector 92 has sparked fierce opposition.

As per TOI report, residents, backed by the Sector 92 Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA), highlighted that the National Building Code prohibits cremation grounds within 250 metres of human habitation. In a letter to Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M, the RWA warned that emissions from funeral pyres could harm public health and the park’s environment.

"Children, women, elderly and others, who use this beautiful park, will be afraid to enter if funeral pyres are allowed to burn there. It will spoil the image of this world-class biodiversity park and, due to religious sentiments, the park will become a ‘ghost park,'" the letter stated.

However, villagers from Gheja, around 2 km away, claim the site has been used for cremations for decades. Kartar Pradhan, a local, asserted that villagers secured the land through a high court ruling nine years ago. While a structure for dual cremations already exists, an additional shed for visitors was under construction, costing the Authority Rs 29 lakh.

Noida CEO Lokesh M has ordered a detailed inquiry, stating that the area is reserved for an international wildlife attraction. "Deer will be brought in from abroad for the sunset safari and the park. A cremation ground cannot be allowed at this location," he said.

On Monday, Gautam Budh Nagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vivekanand Mishra inspected the site amid heated exchanges between housing society residents and villagers, as per HT. A district official said the matter would be resolved after reviewing the report.

For now, construction remains suspended as authorities weigh ecological concerns against historical usage claims.