MCG launches 48-hour drive as waste mounts at Gurgaon’s collection sites

Gurgaon: MCG commissioner Ashok Kumar Garg and mayor Raj Rani Malhotra conducted an inspection on Tuesday at secondary waste collection sites at Beriwala Bagh, Jharsa, Carterpuri and Khandsa. During their visit, they issued instructions to MCG officials, mandating clearance of all these collection points within 48 hours.
Officials have been directed to maintain regular transportation of waste from these secondary collection sites to Bandhwari landfill.
Garg also instructed officials to ensure regular and better cleaning of roads, markets, garbage prone points and other public places.
Residents of societies located near dumping sites have been raising concerns about unauthorised waste disposal in their neighbourhoods.
"The unbearable odour from the dump sites have made staying indoors uncomfortable. Moreover, heaps of waste have turned into breeding spots for flies and mosquitoes, posing serious health risks to residents," said Jitender Jaggi, general secretary of Housing Board Colony RWA in Sector 31. He said residents have approached MCG officials several times, to no avail.
"This is a huge health hazard and we are forced to live with it. A few days ago, I went to meet MCG's senior sanitary inspector. He told me that he wouldn't be able to resolve the problem. He directed me to another official, who further directed me to another official," said Avneesh Raghav, a councillor.
Meanwhile, the mayor said, "Cleanliness of the city is a priority for the civic body. Every citizen's participation is essential in building a clean city. I urged people to dispose of waste only at designated places, reduce the use of plastic and segregate wet and dry waste."
Moreover, residents have expressed concerns about frequent fires erupting at these non-designated waste dumping sites, which requires immediate attention. Raghav pointed out that heaps of waste at Khandsa often catch fire, a situation that further adds to the health hazard. MCG officials said they are working towards reducing the number of garbage vulnerable points in the city.