Residents move NGT against proposed C&D waste collection centre

Gurgaon: Residents of new sectors along Dwarka Expressway have approached National Green Tribunal (NGT) against a proposed construction and demolition (C&D) waste collection centre planned in Sector 106 near Babupur.The petition, filed by Dwarka Expressway Gurugram Development Association (DXP-GDA), challenges the decision to set up the facility near densely populated residential societies, villages, schools and habitation clusters. According to the application, the residents’ body alleged that the proposed site violates provisions of C&D waste management rules and environmental norms.The association said the site is located adjacent to a drain that merges into the Sahibi river and close to an approved nursery school in Sector 106, raising concerns over dust pollution, groundwater contamination and public health risks.Sunny Daultabad, convener of DXP-GDA, said Dwarka Expressway was rapidly emerging as one of Gurugram’s most densely populated residential corridors, and locating a C&D waste collection centre near housing societies amounted to “environmental negligence”.“Residents cannot be forced to live amidst dust, debris, pollution and continuous movement of heavy dumpers. DXP-GDA will strongly oppose every activity that threatens public health, environmental balance and the future livability of this region,” he said.The petition further stated that the proposed site lies within an aerial distance of less than 10km from Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, which, according to the association, could create environmental and aviation safety concerns because of dust generation and the movement of waste-laden vehicles.The plea has sought urgent intervention from the tribunal to restrain MCG from proceeding with the proposed facility and to remove structures already constructed at the site. It has also urged authorities to identify an alternative location that complies with environmental regulations and is situated away from residential zones.In its application, DXP-GDA said that while scientific waste management was necessary for a rapidly urbanising city like Gurugram, environmental compliance and public safety could not be compromised by locating pollution-generating facilities next to high-density residential sectors.The petition also referred to alleged felling and cutting of trees at the site without prior approval from the divisional forest officer. It stated that residents and villagers had observed tree cutting during protests held in February against the proposed facility.Advocate Seema Nain said the issue extended beyond a waste collection site and directly concerned citizens’ right to a clean and safe environment.“What initially begins as a collection centre often turns into massive mountains of C&D waste near residential areas. The waste plant near Basai village in Sector 101 itself is one of the biggest examples of why such facilities should not be permitted near habitation zones,” she said.She added that residents ultimately bear the burden of dust pollution, environmental degradation and deteriorating living conditions whenever contractors or concessionaires fail to comply with safeguards.A senior MCG official, meanwhile, said there has been no violation of prescribed norms in the proposed project and maintained that such facilities are necessary for scientific waste management in the city.“C&D waste management infrastructure is essential for a growing city like Gurgaon, and such facilities have to be developed. There is always a resistance from public for developing such facilities but where will the waste go. We have explained to the residents that the proposed site does not violate any norms and all necessary safeguards are being followed. Public concerns are being heard, but the project is important from the city’s waste management perspective,” the official said.Advocate Yash Vermani said projects involving large-scale construction waste handling required strict scrutiny of location, environmental safeguards, dust control mechanisms and their cumulative impact on nearby residents.“Sustainable urban development cannot happen at the cost of public health and environmental safety,” he said.