MCG Engineers Defend Emergency Tender Process for Bandhwari Waste Cleanup
Engineers from the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG), who are currently facing disciplinary proceedings over alleged irregularities in the Rs 117-crore legacy waste remediation project at Bandhwari, have strongly defended their decision to float tenders without prior administrative approval. They assert that this move was taken under emergency conditions and in strict compliance with directives from higher authorities.
Representation to ULB Department Seeks Withdrawal of Chargesheets
In a detailed representation submitted to the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) department, the engineers have formally requested the withdrawal of the proposed chargesheets. They argue that the tendering process was initiated urgently to meet the deadlines mandated by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). This development follows months after the ULB department initiated disciplinary proceedings under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016, against senior MCG officials for allegedly executing work without the necessary administrative approvals.
The ULB had directed MCG in December 2025 to submit draft chargesheets against these officials. In their submission, the engineers emphasized that the decision must be viewed within the context of ongoing proceedings before the NGT. They highlighted that MCG was specifically directed by the tribunal to process the entire legacy waste at the Bandhwari site by December 31, 2024.
Context of NGT Deadlines and Waste Processing Challenges
According to data cited in the engineers' letter, nearly 14 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of unprocessed waste required urgent processing at the Bandhwari landfill. The engineers also referenced the termination of the contract with the city's previous solid waste management firm, Ecogreen, which had halted waste remediation work at the landfill, further exacerbating the situation.
The engineers pointed out that the then chief secretary was conducting weekly reviews of the situation and had issued directives that proposals be processed without delay. These directives included instructions that all proposals be deemed "in-principally approved from headquarters," providing a basis for their actions.
MCG's Initial Considerations and Commissioner's Statement
Furthermore, the submission reveals that MCG initially considered enhancing the scope of work for two contractors to process approximately 7 lakh MT of waste. This was part of broader efforts to address the massive waste backlog efficiently.
MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya commented on the situation, stating, "We are going to submit the chargesheets within 10 days." This indicates ongoing procedural steps in the disciplinary process, even as the engineers mount their defense based on emergency conditions and compliance with higher authority directives.
The case underscores the complex interplay between regulatory compliance, environmental mandates, and administrative procedures in large-scale public projects like the Bandhwari waste remediation initiative.
