Noida: A year ago, a drive from Noida to Delhi would mean greenery all around. Today, a concrete wall greets you for a couple of kilometers. This correspondent stopped to find out what has changed.
And all one sees is construction and more construction.
I ask the UP government officials present there.
Q: Sir what's all this construction?
A: We cannot say any anything.
Q: Sir could you give us some info?
A: No no please"
No one is willing to speak. But a look at the Ashoka Pillar lookalikes gives a good idea. Those seems to be the latest of UP Chief Minister Mayawati's sandstone memorials. The entire bank, what was once morning walkers' delight, has been taken over.
And Noida's residents are furious.
Some voices:
"This is such a waste of money."
"All the trees have been cut...the birds have gone."
"This is mockery of a national symbol."
Says resident Vineet Chaudhary: "I am told more than 11 hundred crores is being spent. How does it help a citizen like me?"
Vineet filed an RTI in protest and was told that only 22 trees were cut but thousands of them seem to have disappeared.
Not deterred, he wants to file another application.
His is not the only voice against the monumental waste of public money, but will that change anything?