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

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.