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‘Religious site’ in a park? Why Noida Authority scheme has sparked resident protests in Sector 15A

Under the scheme, the plots will be awarded to applicants who fulfill certain eligibility criteria.

noida parkThe residents who protested on Sunday alleged that the scheme was a ploy to allot a part of a park for the construction of a temple. (Archive)

Several residents of Noida’s Sector 15A protested on Sunday against the Noida Authority’s “Scheme for Setting up Religious Places/ Sites” launched on February 5, 2026. A petition has been filed in Allahabad High Court on behalf of 59 residents of the sector, which is home to several eminent people.

According to Noida Authority, the scheme was notified after some residents of two sectors – 15A and 93 – asked for temples on a plot in each of these sectors. The land in Sector 15A is a 300-sq-m plot numbered 226B/1, valued at Rs 2.77 crore; the plot in Sector 93 measures 600 sq m, and is valued at Rs 4.18 crore.

Under the scheme, the plots will be awarded to applicants who fulfill certain eligibility criteria. “The selected entity shall get the land for a lease of 90 years on an interview basis after the applications will be scrutinized by the screening committee of the Noida Authority. The date of the interviews are still awaited,” says the document.

After the interview process, the Allotment Committee shall recommend the allotment, and the Authority CEO shall take the final decision, says the scheme brochure.

The residents who protested on Sunday alleged that the scheme was a ploy to allot a part of a park for the construction of a temple. This land has more than 100 developed trees which would likely be felled, they said. They also expressed fear of widespread disruption in daily life if a large temple were to come up in the neighbourhood.

“This land has been a part of the park for 40 years and is maintained by the Authority,” a resident said.

When contacted, the CEO of Noida Authority, Krishna Karunesh, said the scheme was notified after residents of the area expressed a desire for a temple in the area.

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“It is facility land. We have facility plots in nearly all sectors in Noida. These lands can be used for any facility, including an electric substation, a community centre, skill development centre or a religious site. It can be anything – a temple, a mosque, a church or a gurdwara,” he said.

The CEO said that the scheme had been advertised for 15 days and objections had been invited. “It is the residents who demanded it, and now it is they who are protesting. If they don’t want it, we will cancel it,” he said.

Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in the Noida bureau. She primarily covers crime, health, and environmental issues, as well as human-interest features across Noida, Ghaziabad, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beat: Her work focuses on the administrative and social challenges of the NCR's satellite cities. She is known for her detailed reporting on civic infrastructure (like the Noida International Airport), environmental violations, and high-profile criminal investigations. Personal Interests: Outside of reporting, she is an avid reader of fiction (citing The Thursday Murder Club and Yellowface as recent favorites) and a gardening enthusiast. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Neetika’s recent reportage has been dominated by winter-related crises in the NCR and significant criminal legalities: 1. Environment & Public Safety "Greater Noida Authority slaps fines on firms for violating GRAP IV norms" (Dec 21, 2025): Reporting on heavy penalties imposed on major developers like NBCC for flouting anti-pollution construction bans. "Fatal pile-up on Yamuna Expressway: Fog, high speed emerge as key safety risks" (Dec 17, 2025): A major report on a 15-vehicle collision caused by dense fog that killed 17 people. "At Chilla, Kalindi, DND, many fined Rs 20,000 for non-compliance to Delhi's BS-VI rule" (Dec 19, 2025): On-the-ground reporting from the borders where Noida police penalize non-compliant vehicles entering the capital. "Driving in Noida amid fog? New speed limits in effect till Feb 15" (Dec 13, 2025): Detailing the seasonal traffic restrictions aimed at preventing highway accidents. 2. Crime & Legal Developments "'Have you ever heard of a murder case being withdrawn?': Court in Akhlaq lynching case" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering a critical courtroom hearing where the court questioned the UP government's petition to withdraw charges against the accused. "After losing money in stock market, bank employee in Ghaziabad withdraws Rs 64 lakh from customers' accounts" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece on internal bank fraud and the risks of modern digital embezzlement. "Woman shot dead by partner in Noida: Three days on, accused still on the run" (Dec 2, 2025): Tracking a high-profile domestic violence and murder case in Central Noida. 3. Human Interest & Features "'Had tears in my eyes': Army men walk bride down the aisle 20 years after father died in terror attack" (Dec 2, 2025): A moving story about soldiers from a Punjab Grenadiers unit fulfilling a father's duty for his daughter. "How a Zepto delivery man heard a cry — and saved two kids dumped in Noida drain" (Dec 2025): A viral human-interest story highlighting individual heroism in the city. Signature Style Neetika is recognized for her meticulous follow-up on local tragedies. Whether it is a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway or the ongoing construction of the Jewar (Noida) Airport, she focuses on systemic lapses and the safety of commuters. Her crime reporting often explores the psychological motives behind "crimes of passion" and the rising trend of financial cyber-fraud in the Ghaziabad-Noida belt. ... Read More

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