GURUGRAM: Residents from newly developed sectors along Dwarka Expressway have filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) opposing the establishment of a construction and demolition (C&D) waste collection center in Sector 106, near Babupur.
The petition, submitted by the Dwarka Expressway Gurugram Development Association (DXP-GDA), contests the decision to locate the facility near busy residential communities, schools, and villages. The association claims that the proposed site breaches C&D waste management regulations and environmental standards.
The site is located next to a drain that flows into the Sahibi River and close to an approved nursery school, raising concerns about dust pollution, groundwater contamination, and potential health risks for nearby residents.
Sunny Daultabad, convener of DXP-GDA, stated that as Dwarka Expressway rapidly becomes one of Gurugram’s most populated residential areas, establishing a C&D waste collection center nearby is “environmental negligence.”
“Residents shouldn’t have to endure dust, debris, and pollution from continuous heavy vehicle traffic. DXP-GDA is committed to opposing any activities that jeopardize public health and ecological balance,” he asserted.
The petition also points out that the proposed site is less than 10 km from Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, which could raise environmental and aviation safety issues due to dust and traffic from waste-laden vehicles.
The plea calls for urgent action from the tribunal to prevent the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) from moving forward with the facility and to dismantle any existing structures on the site. It also demands the identification of a suitable alternative location that adheres to environmental regulations and is positioned away from residential areas.
In their application, DXP-GDA emphasized that while effective waste management is critical for a rapidly urbanizing city like Gurugram, it should not compromise environmental compliance and public safety by placing polluting facilities next to residential sectors.
The petition additionally mentions the alleged unauthorized cutting down of trees at the proposed site, with residents observing tree felling during protests held in February against the facility.
Advocate Seema Nain argued that this situation transcends mere waste collection, directly impacting citizens’ right to a clean and safe environment.
“What often starts as a collection center can quickly escalate into significant C&D waste accumulations near residential zones, as evidenced by the waste plant near Basai village in Sector 101. This illustrates why such facilities should not be allowed near living areas,” she remarked.
She noted that residents bear the brunt of dust pollution, environmental damage, and declining living conditions when contractors fail to uphold necessary safeguards.
A senior MCG official stated there have been no violations of regulations in the proposed project, asserting that such facilities are vital for responsible waste management in the city.
“C&D waste management infrastructure is crucial for a growing city like Gurugram. Although public resistance is common, we must address waste disposal. We have committed to the residents that the proposed site complies with all norms and safeguards, and their concerns are being acknowledged, but it is essential for the city’s waste management,” the official explained.
Advocate Yash Vermani emphasized that large-scale construction waste handling projects require stringent evaluation regarding location, environmental protections, dust control measures, and overall impact on surrounding residents.
“Sustainable urban development should not come at the expense of public health and environmental safety,” he added.
