Sign in

Two private firms face heat as MCG approaches police

Both private firms were given the contract in 2023 and didn’t do their work properly, leading to debris pileup, and blocking the drains, said MCG officials

Updated on: Aug 7, 2024, 06:08:06 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has requested the police register an FIR against two private agencies responsible for maintaining the sewerage system in Badshahpur, citing negligence, police said. The civic body also alleged that the private firms’ negligence led to severe waterlogging in Tyagiwada and neighbouring localities.

MCG commissioner Narhari Singh Bangar stated that repeated attempts by MCG officials to contact the contractors for necessary equipment went unanswered (HT Archive)
MCG commissioner Narhari Singh Bangar stated that repeated attempts by MCG officials to contact the contractors for necessary equipment went unanswered (HT Archive)

MCG officials further reported that severe waterlogging in Tyagiwada and its neighbouring localities was caused by blocked sewerage, which led to residents’ protests. The complaint, filed by Sanjeev Kumar, executive engineer-4 of MCG, alleges that the contracted agencies failed to perform their duties, despite being paid, resulting in significant water accumulation and subsequent resident protests.

Senior authorities had to intervene on-site to address the situation. It was revealed that the agencies responsible for the periodic cleaning of the sewers and the one maintaining the sewerage motor (pump) should have paid more attention to their responsibilities.

MCG officials said that both private contractors were given the contract last year and did not clean nor clear the affected areas, leading to debris accumulation, which was found inside the blocked drains.

MCG commissioner Narhari Singh Bangar stated that repeated attempts by MCG officials to contact the contractors for necessary equipment went unanswered. “Residents reported numerous accidents and severe inconveniences caused by the contractors’ negligence, which also damaged the reputation of the MCG,” Bangar said.

The complaint to the police requested action against the contractors for creating a public nuisance, causing accidents, and harming the corporation’s image, officials said. MCG assistant engineer Ashish Hooda and junior engineer Arif Khan managed to resolve the issue by arranging alternative equipment and overseeing water drainage on-site.

Residents of Tyagiwada expressed relief after the swift action by MCG officials. “We were facing a lot of trouble due to the negligence of these contractors. Accidents were becoming frequent, and the waterlogging was unbearable. We are thankful to the MCG for resolving the issue,” said a local resident.

MCG officials emphasised the importance of accountability and promised to closely monitor contractor performance. “We will not tolerate negligence that affects the lives of our citizens and damages the corporation’s reputation. Strict action will be taken to ensure such incidents do not recur,” said Bangar.

The complaint is now with the police commissioner, and an investigation is expected to follow. The MCG hopes this action will deter other contractors and ensure better compliance with their responsibilities in the future.

  • Leena Dhankhar
    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