Greater Noida Authority freed one lakh square metres of land from encroachment on Saturday in its biggest ever green-belt clearing drive.
The action took place early in the morning along a 130-metre road that links Greater Noida and Greater Noida West. More than 20 shops built illegally on the green belt in front of Sectors 2 and 3 near Patwari village were demolished.
Several plots (Khata numbers 663, 668, 670, 725, 729, 730, 739, 740, 741, etc.) had been encroached for unauthorised shops dealing in automobiles, aluminium works and marble. Despite repeated notices, the occupants refused to vacate, prompting the drive.
Starting at 6 a.m. and lasting about four hours, eight JCB machines and dumper trucks razed the structures, removed debris and simultaneously began tree planting. Armed police personnel maintained security throughout the operation.
CEO NG Ravi Kumar praised the enforcement and police teams. Additional CEO Shrilakshmi VS warned that encroachers will face strict, continuous action and advised citizens to verify the legality of any property directly with the Authority before buying or renting.