GURUGRAM: Residents living in new sectors along the Dwarka Expressway have raised concerns over rampant dumping and burning of industrial waste in the open by industries operating in the area for the past four years.
They alleged that the district administration has failed to check the issue, which is posing serious risks to their health and the environment.
Residents also said they have filed several complaints on the matter with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) and even the CM Window, but the problem persists.
One such incident of industrial waste burning was witnessed on the road dividing sectors 102 and 103 on Monday. Yashesh Yadav, a resident of Sector 83 who was in the area, said: “I could see the smoke from 4km away and upon arriving at the site, was facing difficulties in breathing due to the fumes. I noticed waste being set on fire at another location nearby, releasing dense black smoke.” Yadav added that this is not the first time that waste burning has been reported from the area.
Residents pointed out that the stretch between sectors 84 and 111 has more than 20 spots where one can witness factories dumping and burning waste in green belts on a regular basis.
“One can see industrial waste being illegally dumped and burnt along the road, but the authorities appear to be oblivious. The authorities need to check on industrial pollution which is adding to our woes, apart from the dust pollution with which we are forced to live due to the apathetic attitude of the civic bodies in charge,” said Mahesh Yadav, a resident of Sector 102.
When approached for a comment, HSPCB regional officer Kuldeep Singh said, “We have given strict instruction to industries to manage their waste as per the norms. Though I am not aware about the incident, I will get it checked and appropriate action will be taken. Whatever complaint we receive through any medium will be submitted to the authorities concerned for further action.”