Gurgaon construction waste dumping: Sector 67 residents send legal notices to civic agencies

The residents of Sector 67 have sent legal notices to civic agencies and will also approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) as the illegal dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste continue in their area.

The residents of Sector 67 have sent legal notices to civic agencies and will also approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) as the illegal dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste continue in their area.

The stretch on which the C&D waste is being dumped extends from St Xavier’s School on Golf Course Extension Road to Park View Spa Next -- a premium condominium. (HT File)

Residents said the C&D waste causes dust pollution, and according to the NGT norms, such waste should not be dumped in residential areas. However, the government agencies in Gurgaon such as the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram(MCG), the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) and the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) have turned a deaf ear to their problems, residents said.

The stretch on which the C&D waste is being dumped extends from St Xavier’s School on Golf Course Extension Road to Park View Spa Next -- a premium condominium.

Several other premium condominiums, villas and commercial complexes such as M3M Golf Estate, M3M Cosmopolitan, M3M Urbana, Emaar Marbella, Ireo Victory Valley and Ireo Uptown are situated along the Sector 67 road.

“The current scenario is leading to a major environment disaster, causing immense air and water pollution. As a result of these pollutants, my young daughter is suffering from irreversible respiratory damage,” Kush Kochgaway, of Sector 67 said.

In the legal notices to the MCG, Huda and the DTCP, residents have mentioned that, “A chemical analysis of air quality in the area will reveal extremely dangerous materials such as ceramic dust, asphalt, asbestos (including amphibole asbestos which includes the minerals actinolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, and amosite), lead paint residue, cement particles, vinyl, PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) caulking, mercury components, chemical discharge from batteries, mortar and lime. The exposure to these chemical components and physical pollutants are the cause of a severe and serious threat to the health of young children and senior citizens, whose lungs are particularly sensitive and vulnerable. The presence of these pollutants in air makes the air unhealthy and unbreathable. (sic)”

Another resident, Puneet Lamba, said, “We have been facing this issue for the last two-and-a-half years and there seems to be no end to our sufferings. We are also planning to approach the NGT regarding the illegal dumping of C&D waste. This is a crucial issue as children in the area are facing health issue because of pollution.”

Residents said even after repeated complaints to the civic agencies, nothing has been done on ground.

However, the Huda said it was yet to receive a notice from Sector 67. “We have not yet received any legal notice. We will look into the issue if we receive the same,” Yashpal Yadav, administration, Huda, Gurgaon, said.