Unheeded Warning: Pit Where Techie Died Was Flagged for Drainage in 2023, But Work Never Began

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A devastating tragedy in Greater Noida could have been avoided if a crucial drainage project had been undertaken two years ago. Yuvraj Mehta, a 27-year-old software engineer, lost his life after drowning in a water-filled pit in Sector 150. According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department had identified the need to install head regulators to flush out excess water in 2023, but the project remained unimplemented. The irrigation department had written to the Noida authority, directing the installation of head regulators to channelise excess water into the Hindon river. However, a Noida Authority official claimed to be unaware of the letter. Locals alleged that the accumulated water levels in the pit would not have been so high if the project had been undertaken, potentially saving Mehta's life. Mehta's car crashed into a boundary wall and fell into the water-filled pit on a foggy night, and despite a 90-minute rescue attempt, he could not be saved. The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has ordered an inspection of roads in the area to identify and fill potholes, and the Gautam Buddh Nagar SDM has assured relevant action in the case. The investigation has revealed that water in the pit was not just due to rain, but also continuous discharge from drains linked to nearby residential societies. The incident highlights the need for timely implementation of critical infrastructure projects to prevent such tragedies in the future.