Bandhwari landfill faces scrutiny again over groundwater pollution

Gurgaon: The district administration has been directed to assess the environmental and groundwater impact of the Bandhwari landfill site. The directions were issued during a review of key civic issues in the city on Tuesday by Union minister of state for statistics and programme implementation, Rao Inderjit Singh.Chairing a meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) at the Mini Secretariat, Singh reviewed progress on key development projects and central govt schemes, with focus on waste management, waterlogging and encroachments.Calling the legacy waste at Bandhwari a major concern, Singh directed officials to conduct periodic groundwater testing in Bandhwari village and adjoining areas to assess the impact of the landfill site.Officials informed the committee that nearly 14 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste remain at the site and complete remediation is targeted by Feb 14 next year. Singh emphasised scientific assessments and corrective steps to protect public health and the environment.The minister also asked departments to accelerate long-term measures to tackle monsoon flooding and groundwater depletion. He directed officials to increase the reuse of stormwater and treated water and strengthen groundwater recharge efforts.Singh also ordered a committee-based inquiry into alleged encroachments and drainage obstruction near Ambience Mall.The CEO of GMDA, PC Meena, informed the committee that the new drain line along the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) is expected to be completed by June 15. Officials said the project is expected to improve drainage between Subhash Chowk and Rajiv Chowk.A box drain under construction near Medanta Hospital is likely to be completed within 25 days to ease flooding in nearby areas, officials added. Updates on the Narasinghpur drain were also shared in the meeting.Flagging illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste along the Gurgaon-Faridabad road, Singh directed officials to intensify enforcement measures. Municipal commissioner Pradeep Dahiya said fines worth Rs 2 crore have been issued and Rs 1.5 crore recovered from violators.Singh also expressed dissatisfaction over the condition of public toilets and directed officials to blacklist agencies failing to maintain hygiene standards. He sought the appointment of new agencies that can ensure proper operation and maintenance. DC Uttam Singh suggested exploring CSR partnerships.Calling encroachments a major obstacle to traffic movement, the minister instructed departments to carry out sustained enforcement drives. He insisted that enforcement must deliver permanent solutions and that congestion-prone areas be prioritised.