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Haryana minister reviews 40 key infra projects in city

The meeting brought together officials from the Police department, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Municipal Corporations of Gurugram and Manesar and Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) among others

Updated on: Nov 27, 2024, 05:40:10 IST
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Gurugram: Haryana’s Industries, Commerce and Environment Minister and Badshahpur MLA Rao Narbir Singh chaired a coordination meeting on Tuesday in Gurugram to address 40 critical development issues in the city.

Haryana’s Industries, Commerce and Environment Minister and Badshahpur MLA Rao Narbir Singh chaired a coordination meeting on Tuesday in Gurugram to address 40 critical development issues in the city. (HT PHOTO)
Haryana’s Industries, Commerce and Environment Minister and Badshahpur MLA Rao Narbir Singh chaired a coordination meeting on Tuesday in Gurugram to address 40 critical development issues in the city. (HT PHOTO)

The meeting brought together officials from the Police department, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Municipal Corporations of Gurugram and Manesar and Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) among others. Senior officials, including GMDA CEO A Srinivas, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar, and Municipal Commissioner Ashok Garg briefed the minister on ongoing projects and the challenges in their execution.

Call for collaboration

Singh emphasised the importance of inter-departmental coordination and urged officials to adopt “collaboration and quality” as guiding principles to ensure Gurugram’s progress. Stressing the need for introspection and better alignment among departments, he proposed a series of follow-up meetings to finalise policies and strategies critical to the city’s development. He reiterated the necessity of public consultation and involvement of local representatives in project planning and problem resolution, ensuring that initiatives reflect the needs and aspirations of the city’s residents.

The minister highlighted the issue of illegal mixture plants operating in Gurugram, stating that out of 132 plants, only 65 possess valid licences. He instructed the Deputy Commissioner to identify unauthorised plants and initiate strict legal action against them. Singh also called for a review of NOCs for licensed plants to ensure compliance and directed that plants with expired licences be shifted out of residential areas.

Taking a firm stand on chemical waste disposal by factories, Singh described it as a severe environmental concern. He directed officials to identify factories releasing untreated waste into the Badshahpur drain and verify if proper sewage treatment plants (STPs) are installed on their premises. “Strict action must be taken against violators to set an example,” he said, urging enforcement to mitigate pollution.

Plans for managing C&D waste

Expressing dissatisfaction with the current handling of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, the minister pointed out that the existing plant is insufficient to manage the growing volume of waste. He directed officials to identify locations for four additional C&D waste plants with a capacity of 300 tonnes each. Singh also criticised the inadequate response to waterlogging issues and called for long-term solutions. GMDA CEO A Srinivas assured the minister that a detailed study report on the city’s drainage system is being prepared by an external agency.

On logistical challenges, Singh highlighted the presence of abandoned vehicles across the city, which affect cleanliness and overall urban aesthetics. He instructed the Municipal Corporation and the police to launch a special drive to remove such vehicles.

Parking solutions

The minister emphasised the need to maintain greenbelts in Gurugram, proposing that the GMDA collaborate with industrial entities to adopt a “one greenbelt, one company” model for effective upkeep. He also addressed issues related to encroachments and parking outside liquor shops and ahatas (drinking areas). Singh suggested that illegal parking be regulated and converted into a significant revenue source for the municipal corporation.

The minister highlighted the poor condition of major roads in Gurugram and instructed officials to carry out repairs within a stipulated timeframe. He reiterated the importance of incorporating public feedback in development projects to ensure better alignment with local needs.

  • 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