Gurugram: C&D waste continues as biggest source of pollution

According to the most recent report prepared by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on pollution in Gurugram between November 1 and 11, the dust from construction and demolition (C&D) waste contributed to about 30 per cent of the city’s air pollution. Reportedly, a penalty of a total of Rs 2.67 lakh was collected from 55 defaulters for dumping C&D waste illegally. Unfortunately, the city has seen no improvement when it comes to pollution caused by C&D waste, which it continues to be the biggest source of pollution in the city. Expressing their opinion that action taken against the pollution has had little impact, residents of the city are waiting for government action with health conditions worsening in tandem with the poor air quality. For its part, MCG is conducting regular inspections and penalties of over Rs 9 lakh have been reportedly collected for pollution norm violations since November 1. From November 1 to 11 (pl check dates; can’t say past 10 days), the corporation is said to have conducted 542 inspections and identified 293 defaulters for causing pollution with activities banned by the administration. It is also known to have issued notices to 186 violators. “We have been trying to bring down pollution levels, especially those caused by construction, with the help of vigorous fining,” says an MCG official. “We have a well-equipped team that is sent on the field to monitor the situation and impose fine on those individuals or organisations that are not abiding by the current ban. Although there is no easy solution to this, we appeal to all those engaged in construction activities to respect the ban put in place for the safety of all citizens. From November 1 to November 11, our teams have collected close to Rs 138,000 as fine from C&D dust producers.”