As the sun rises over Sector 61, Noida, the golden hues are often muted by a dense layer of smog—a grim reminder of the escalating pollution that has gripped the city. For the residents of this otherwise vibrant neighborhood, pollution is no longer just a statistic on a news channel but a lived reality, affecting health, daily routines, and even emotions.
A mother of two young children, shares her concerns: “Every morning, my children wake up coughing. The simple joy of playing in the park has become a risk to their health.” Like her, countless parents are grappling with the dilemma of balancing outdoor activities essential for a child’s growth with the everpresent threat of polluted air.
The elderly residents, too, are finding it increasingly difficult to cope. Ramesh Singh, a retired banker, who enjoyed his morning walks in the lush parks of Sector 61, now feels confined indoors. “I feel like a prisoner in my own home. The air burns my throat, and my chest feels heavy after just a few minutes outside,” he says with a sigh. The situation is equally dire for working professionals. Commuting through traffic-filled roads coated in vehicular emissions has become an ordeal. Many complain of persistent headaches, eye irritation, and fatigue.
The emotional toll of living amidst heightened pollution is palpable. Parents worry about their children’s future, the elderly reminisce about cleaner days, and everyone feels a growing disconnect from nature. Despite government promises and initiatives, the residents feel that change is slow and often superficial.
Sector 61, like much of Noida, is at a crossroads. While urban development and growth bring opportunities, the cost being paid in terms of health and quality of life is far too high. The residents are pleading for urgent action.
Because no matter how tall the skyscrapers rise, the essence of life is clean air—a right, not a luxury. For now, the smog continues to choke not just their lungs but their hope.
