Only 68 cops for 75,000 people, Greater Noida West residents ask for more hands

Despite police claims that they have increased patrol of residential areas in Greater Noida (west), the area remains vulnerable as there is only one police officer for approximately 1,000 residents.

The police department, as well as the residents, have been continuously demanding more personnel for the area. For a population of nearly 75,000 residents, there are only 68 police officials available at the Bisrakh police station, which covers the entire Greater Noida west.

“In the Bisrakh police station, we have 49 constables, 12 head constables, six sub-inspectors and one station house officer. We work round-the-clock to ensure the safety of residents with the available number of personnel. There is definitely a requirement for more hands as the population in the area is increasing swiftly,” Rakesh, deputy superintendent of police (circle 3), Greater Noida, said.

Residents say that the major problem is a lack of police presence in their locality and subsequent rise in incidents of burglaries.

“There is only one PCR van stationed near Gaur City. Most personnel are occupied with managing traffic at the Gaur roundabout. They are doing their bit but the problem is the lack of staffers. With only one policeman available for over 1,000 persons, the situation remains critical. Many a time, a single PCR van attends two or sometimes three calls,” Abhishek Kumar, president of the new era flat owners association, said.

In the last year, over two dozen burglaries were reported in Greater Noida west. The police, however, claim that they have solved most cases.

“A majority of highrises are under construction and in most cases of theft, we found involvement of construction workers. There is a need to strengthen the internal security of the societies as well,” Rakesh said.

Residents claim that the traffic jam at Gaur Chowk is rising by the day as more residents are relocating to the area.

“The police and authority should work together to chalk out a plan for smoother traffic management. Every day, at least 2-3 people move into the newly constructed flats and the load on traffic and policing is on a rise,” Amarjeet Rathore, a resident of Gaur City, said.