MCG misses June 1 deadline to revamp waste collection points

MCG Misses June 1 Deadline to Revamp Waste Collection Points

Project Delays Due to Unprecedented Waste Volume

MCG misses June 1 deadline to revamp - The Gurugram Municipal Corporation (MCG) has not met its June 1 deadline to upgrade and enhance 14 secondary collection points (SCPs) across the city. Officials attributed the delay to the overwhelming amount of waste generated, which has disrupted construction efforts.

Announced in April, the initiative targeted the development of boundary walls, sanitation amenities, and internal road paving to improve the appearance and functionality of these sites. However, progress has stalled despite the commencement of work at two locations—Beri Wala Bagh and Khandsa village.

Secondary collection points act as temporary storage hubs for garbage before it is transported for processing or disposal. In April, the Hindustan Times highlighted that several SCPs lacked essential infrastructure, including proper flooring and boundary walls, prompting the MCG to commit to upgrades by June.

Contractors Struggle Amid Rising Waste Inflow

According to Manoj Ahlawat, the sub-divisional officer of MCG, the project’s delay is linked to the persistent flow of waste into the collection points. “Contractors are unable to work, and we have no alternative disposal sites,” he stated, adding that the corporation is currently drafting a strategy to resume work at the remaining locations.

“Work has started at two sites in Beri Wala Bagh and Khandsa, but the rest of the project is facing delay because of the continued flow of waste,” Ahlawat told HT.

The issue has worsened during the monsoon season, leading to foul odors and overflowing garbage. These SCPs, situated near residential neighborhoods, have become sources of health concerns for nearby communities.

Recent fire incidents at waste facilities have heightened concerns about the city’s waste management system. A second blaze broke out at the Khandsa site just days after its initial fire, while a similar event was reported at Sector 70’s SCP last month.

Long-Term Challenges Exacerbated by Infrastructure Gaps

Compounding the problem, four material recovery facilities (MRFs) designed to process and sort waste have been non-functional for over two years due to contractual disputes. This has forced the city to rely more heavily on SCPs and direct waste transport to the Bandhwari landfill.

Residents near the Beri Wala Bagh SCP have also reported at least 30 accidents involving garbage vehicles overturning in mud sludge. A local shopkeeper noted, “We have seen garbage vehicles overturning due to mud sludge,” underscoring the dangers posed by the sites’ deteriorating conditions.