Residents of new sectors along Dwarka Expressway in Gurgaon have filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against a proposed construction and demolition (C&D) waste collection centre in Sector 106, near Babupur. The petition, submitted by the Dwarka Expressway Gurugram Development Association (DXP-GDA), challenges the decision to establish the facility close to densely populated residential societies, villages, schools, and habitation clusters.
Alleged Violations of Environmental Norms
According to the application, the residents' body claims that the proposed site violates provisions of C&D waste management rules and environmental norms. The association stated that the site is adjacent to a drain that merges into the Sahibi river and is near 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 is rapidly emerging as one of Gurugram's most densely populated residential corridors. He argued that locating a C&D waste collection centre near housing societies amounts 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,” Daultabad said.
Aviation Safety Concerns
The petition further states that the proposed site lies within an aerial distance of less than 10 km from Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport. According to the association, this could create environmental and aviation safety concerns due to dust generation and movement of waste-laden vehicles.
The plea seeks urgent intervention from the tribunal to restrain the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) from proceeding with the proposed facility and to remove structures already constructed at the site. It also urges authorities to identify an alternative location that complies with environmental regulations and is situated away from residential zones.
Need for Scientific Waste Management vs. Public Safety
In its application, DXP-GDA acknowledged that scientific waste management is necessary for a rapidly urbanising city like Gurugram. However, it emphasised that environmental compliance and public safety cannot be compromised by locating pollution-generating facilities next to high-density residential sectors.
The petition also refers to alleged felling and cutting of trees at the site without prior approval from the divisional forest officer. Residents and villagers observed tree cutting during protests held in February against the proposed facility.
Legal Perspectives
Advocate Seema Nain said the issue extends beyond a waste collection site and directly concerns 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.
Meanwhile, a senior MCG official stated that 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 resistance from the 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 require 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.
