GURUGRAM: Private road sweeping agencies in Gurugram are grappling with significant challenges due to illegal garbage dumping by vendors from Delhi. This issue has escalated costs and labor demands for these agencies, as they are now forced to handle not only regular street sweeping but also the removal of illegally dumped waste. The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has announced plans to address the problem with a new waste collection agency and stricter enforcement measures.
Escalating Costs and Labor Demands
MCG commissioner Narhari Singh Bangar explained that private agencies, initially contracted to sweep streets, are now overburdened with the task of removing heaps of illegally dumped waste, particularly in areas like Udyog Vihar. “This additional task has increased their costs as they have to engage more laborers. Despite awareness efforts, vendors persist in dumping waste on the streets,” Bangar said.
Surveillance and Penalties
According to Bangar, waste is often transported from Delhi to Gurugram during late night and early morning hours. CCTV cameras have captured these activities, and at least 20 vehicles have been penalized so far. “The vehicles transporting fresh waste are private vehicles, many without number plates. We have reported the incidents to the police deployed at the border, but now we have decided to lodge cases against them if they continue to dump waste,” he added.
New Waste Collection Measures
In a bid to resolve the issue, the MCG has hired a new door-to-door waste collection agency, which has deployed over 700 vehicles to collect waste. “The revenue model where MCG will charge residents for user charges of waste collection will be introduced soon, and the issue will be resolved,” said Bangar.
Local Impact and Resident Concerns
Residents and local business owners have reported frequent sightings of waste being dumped illegally. Ram Swarup, a tea vendor in Udyog Vihar, described witnessing vehicles dumping garbage at night. “They have no fear. I have tried to stop them from dumping waste near the stall, and I have recorded their videos, but they are fearless and openly dump it. They cross the border despite the deployment of policemen,” he said.
Mahesh Yadav, a supervisor at a private company in Udyog Vihar, confirmed that more than 20 vehicles enter the area from Delhi at night to dump waste. “We have tried to raise the alarm and informed MCG, and they have penalized them and tried to get the area clean, but they change routes and continue to dump waste,” he added.
Enforcement and Surveillance
A senior police official from the Gurugram police stated that teams have been deployed at the border to maintain strict vigilance. “We have given clear instructions to the teams to impound the vehicles found dumping waste. We will register criminal cases against them for trespassing and threatening life,” the official said.
The situation is further complicated by unauthorized private vendors catering to both high and lower-income residents, leading to indiscriminate dumping in public spaces. Residents have also complained about the mix of household refuse, commercial waste from unauthorized food vendors, and industrial waste from factories in areas like Udyog Vihar.
MCG’s Response
The MCG has formed three flying squads that patrol at night, monitoring entry and exit points to Delhi. “We will take legal action against those involved in illegal dumping of waste in Gurugram,” Bangar said. Residents have also demanded increased surveillance at the Gurugram-Delhi borders to prevent the transportation of waste from Delhi.
Despite the challenges, the MCG is committed to tackling the illegal dumping issue and ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for Gurugram’s residents.
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