Gurgaon Pollution Complaints: 21% Remain Unresolved, CPCB Data Reveals
According to recent data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), nearly 21% of pollution complaints filed in Gurgaon over the past year remain unresolved. This concerning statistic has sparked serious questions about the effectiveness of grievance redress mechanisms as the city continues to grapple with deteriorating air quality and environmental challenges.
MCG Outperforms HSPCB in Complaint Resolution
In response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Noida-based activist Amit Gupta, the CPCB disclosed detailed complaint resolution figures. The Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) received a total of 763 pollution complaints through the Sameer app and various social media platforms between January 1, 2025, and January 21, 2026. Of these, 590 complaints were marked as resolved, while 173 remained pending, indicating a significant backlog that requires immediate attention.
In stark contrast, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) demonstrated a much lower closure rate. On the Sameer app alone, HSPCB received 179 complaints but resolved only 15, leaving a staggering 164 complaints pending. This translates to a resolution rate of merely 8%, highlighting substantial gaps in their complaint handling processes. Similarly, on social media platforms, HSPCB received 89 complaints and closed only 12, with 77 remaining unresolved, resulting in an alarming 87% pendency rate.
Performance Variations Across Agencies
The data, which includes complaints handled by both north and south regional offices in the city, reveals notable disparities in performance among different agencies. Interestingly, HSPCB's regional unit in Gurgaon showed better performance, resolving 29 out of 37 Sameer app complaints, achieving a 78% resolution rate. However, other Haryana agencies lagged significantly behind.
The Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) failed to resolve any of its 14 complaints, while the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) left both of its complaints completely unresolved. These figures underscore systemic issues in environmental governance across multiple agencies operating in the region.
Delhi-NCR Wide Complaint Analysis
Across the broader Delhi-NCR region, the RTI data revealed a total of 8,836 pollution-related complaints during the specified period. Of these, 5,820 complaints were resolved, while 3,016 complaints (representing 35% of the total) remain pending. This substantial backlog indicates widespread challenges in addressing environmental grievances throughout the metropolitan area.
Breaking down the complaint channels, Sameer app complaints totaled 5,222, with 3,521 (67%) resolved and 1,701 (33%) pending. Social media complaints stood at 3,614, of which 2,299 (64%) were closed and 1,315 remained unresolved. These numbers reveal that while digital platforms have increased complaint accessibility, they have also created significant backlogs that authorities struggle to manage effectively.
Civic Body Performance Comparison
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) recorded the highest number of complaints at 2,954 and reported a resolution rate of approximately 82%. However, activist Amit Gupta questioned the credibility of these closure figures, stating, "Around 80% complaint resolution in Gurgaon is difficult to believe. Do you really think 82% of complaints get resolved in MCD?"
Gupta further highlighted the disproportionate complaint burden, noting that "Around 35% of all Delhi-NCR complaints are from MCD alone. If you add Noida Authority, these two agencies together account for 44% of the total complaints across Delhi-NCR."
The Noida Authority showed the weakest performance among major civic bodies, logging 915 complaints and resolving only 531, leaving 384 pending. This represents a concerning 42% pendency rate that demands urgent intervention. In contrast, the Greater Noida Authority reported a resolution rate of over 95%, at least on official records.
Platform-Specific Performance Disparities
MCG's performance varied significantly depending on the complaint platform. The corporation resolved 450 out of 510 social media complaints, achieving an 88% resolution rate. However, on the Sameer app, MCG closed only 140 out of 243 complaints, leaving 103 pending. This disparity suggests that complaint resolution efficiency may depend heavily on the platform through which grievances are submitted.
Expert Analysis and Systemic Concerns
Environmental experts have raised serious concerns about the data, suggesting it reflects deeper enforcement gaps in pollution control mechanisms. Delhi-based activist Varun Gulati commented, "Complaint portals create an impression of action, but without strict timelines, repeat inspections and accountability, many closures remain on paper. Pollution sources often reappear at the same locations."
This observation points to a fundamental issue in environmental governance: the difference between reported resolution and actual problem-solving. The data suggests that while complaints may be technically "closed" in system records, the underlying pollution problems may persist or recur, indicating inadequate follow-up and enforcement measures.
The unresolved complaint backlog in Gurgaon, particularly the 21% pendency rate, highlights urgent needs for improved grievance redress mechanisms, stricter accountability measures, and more transparent reporting systems. As air quality continues to deteriorate in the region, effective complaint resolution becomes increasingly critical for protecting public health and ensuring environmental compliance.
