DC reviews air pollution control measures in Gurugram

According to officials, the DC seeked detailed reports from each agency, and asked departments to deliver “solid and effective results” within the prescribed timelines.

Published on: Jan 17, 2026, 03:54:07 IST

By Leena Dhankhar

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Deputy commissioner (DC) Ajay Kumar on Friday reviewed the air pollution control measures prepared for Gurugram by various government departments in Gurugram, said officials.

The DC directed departments to intensify awareness activities by involving schools, colleges, universities and resident welfare associations (RWAs). (Parveen Kumar/HT)

According to officials, the DC seeked detailed reports from each agency, and asked departments to deliver “solid and effective results” within the prescribed timelines. He also directed officials to identify air pollution hotspots, especially areas witnessing frequent traffic congestion, and prepare action plans for them.

Officials said that the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) joint commissioner Vishal Kumar informed the DC that the civic body, along with the traffic police, has identified 33 hotspot points and is monitoring them continuously. He also said efforts are underway to hand over garbage collection and waste segregation activities to self-help groups (SHGs), a move aimed at strengthening segregation facilities. Officials said that a model request for proposal (RFP) will be prepared soon.

The DC further directed the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), MCG and Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) to prepare a plan for plantation and maintenance of native species to curb roadside dust pollution. He also asked departments to set timelines for road improvement works, pothole repairs, development of green medians.

During the meeting, officials also reviewed action taken under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 against illegal industrial units, particularly those involved in extracting oil from waste tyres, and construction activities found violating norms. Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) regional officer Akanksha Tanwar said two such units had been shut down in Gurugram.

The DC also issued directions on remediation of the Bandhwari legacy landfill, identification and cleaning of water bodies within municipal limits, effective disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste.

He also instructed that industries inspected by the HSPCB must be strictly reviewed for installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) and compliance with emission standards.

The DC directed departments to intensify awareness activities by involving schools, colleges, universities and resident welfare associations (RWAs).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leena Dhankhar
Leena Dhankhar is Senior Editor and Bureau Chief, Gurugram, at Hindustan Times, where she has spent over 17 years chronicling the transformation of one of India's fastest-growing urban regions. From starting her career as a crime reporter to leading the Gurugram bureau, her journalism has been defined by investigative reporting, in-depth storytelling and an unwavering focus on public interest. Over nearly two decades, she has reported extensively across crime, politics, civic governance, elections, real estate, environment, courts, sports, education and entertainment, covering Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal. Her reporting has exposed several major scams and systemic failures, including insurance frauds, waste management irregularities, illegal arms manufacturing units in Nuh, illegal mining in the Aravallis, organised crime networks and governance lapses affecting millions of residents. Known for her investigative work and exclusive stories, Leena has reported on high-impact national issues, including the Nicaragua charter flight carrying Indian migrants that was turned back amid allegations of human trafficking, exposing the growing network of illegal immigration rackets. Her work has also focused on gang wars, prison administration, juvenile crime, women and child protection systems, the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee, and environmental challenges such as pollution, waterlogging and deteriorating civic infrastructure. Beyond hard news, Leena has extensively documented Haryana's rich heritage, forests and wildlife, bringing attention to the state's historical landmarks, biodiversity, conservation efforts and ecological challenges through immersive reportage and feature writing. Her journalism has consistently gone beyond breaking news. She has documented Gurugram's rapid urbanisation through long-form narratives and enterprise reporting on issues ranging from pothole-ridden roads, flooding and waste management to the changing social fabric of India's Millennium City. She also writes widely read feature columns, including The Outsider, Changemaker, and Concern for Gurugram, profiling people, places and ideas shaping the city's identity. Leena is the author of Gurugram School Murder, published by Juggernaut Books, a deeply reported account of one of India's most high-profile school murder investigations. She is currently working on her second book, an investigative work exploring some of India's most significant scams and fraud investigations. Beyond print journalism, she has expanded her storytelling through public speaking and digital media. She is a TEDx speaker and has produced podcasts exploring Gurugram's transformation, civic challenges and untold stories. Her work reflects a commitment to narrative journalism that combines rigorous reporting with compelling storytelling. A law graduate with an MBA in Human Resources, Leena brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her reporting, particularly on governance, public policy and legal affairs. She has travelled extensively across India to pursue investigative assignments, often reporting from remote locations and conflict-prone areas in search of stories that matter.Read More

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