MCG is preparing to implement door-to-door collection of construction and demolition (C&D) waste while enhancing measures for its proper disposal. The civic authority has conducted 646 inspections at construction sites from January to March this year to bolster enforcement.
These updates were presented during a review meeting held by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday. An official indicated that this initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen waste management and reduce dust pollution, both of which are crucial for addressing the declining air quality in the city.
During the meeting, MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya detailed a comprehensive strategy to combat pollution. “Drawing on data from previous years, we have established a target to lower the Air Quality Index (AQI) from 189 to 170 by 2026, alongside a 10% decrease in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels,” he stated. According to MCG, Gurgaon produces approximately 1,500 tonnes of C&D waste each day, with around 1,200 tonnes currently being processed at Basai.
To alleviate pressure on the facility, the civic body intends to establish additional processing plants and about 20 designated collection points. In addition to waste management, the plan aims to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance electric vehicle infrastructure, and intensify measures to control dust. To reduce vehicular emissions, MCG plans to gradually expand its public bus fleet. Furthermore, 20 EV charging stations and 25 battery-swapping stations are being established, with agreements already finalized.
Officials have also pinpointed 31 traffic congestion hotspots throughout the city, and the infrastructure surrounding these areas is being redeveloped to prevent gridlocks and tailbacks. Surveillance is being enhanced with 1,200 cameras currently operational and over 2,700 more planned.
Regarding dust control measures, the official reported that 20 mechanical road-sweeping machines have been put into operation, complemented by anti-smog guns and water sprinklers. A comprehensive cleaning initiative encompassing 294 roads is currently in progress, alongside GPS-based monitoring of the equipment.
The city has also set an objective to redevelop over 493 kilometres of roads. At the Bandhwari landfill site, approximately 17.93 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste is still present. Officials indicated that a processing capacity of up to 2 lakh metric tonnes per month has been established, with the aim of eliminating the backlog by March 2027. CAQM officials acknowledged the advancements made by Gurgaon but urged authorities to expedite the implementation process and meet quarterly targets to guarantee a tangible improvement in air quality.
