Climate & Environment

Gurugram Residents Demand Action Against Open Burning of Scrap Materials

By HT Correspondent

Residents of Gurugram have urged authorities to stop the open burning of metal filters and scrap materials by scrap dealers in and around residential areas. CleanAirBharat, a local resident group, wrote to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) on November 4. The letter highlighted that the practice releases toxic fumes and hazardous particulate matter, posing serious health risks to workers and nearby families. It cited an incident observed by a CleanAirBharat volunteer in Sector 52A, near the Fuel Nation petrol pump, on the same day. Similar incidents have been reported in Sectors 55, 85, and 52, as well as in Nawada, Manesar, Noida and Greater Noida. The group stated that it has repeatedly requested the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) to conduct ground reconnaissance of waste‑burning and dumping hotspots in Sector 52, Ardee City and Sai Ka Angan, referencing communications dated 9 and 31 October, but has received no response. “Residents cannot be vigilant all the time, tracking and documenting these fires,” said Ruchika Sethi, a Gurugram resident and CleanAirBharat member. CleanAirBharat seeks immediate joint inspections by MCG and HSPCB, directions to stop open burning, mapping of scrap dealers and informal material‑recovery units near residential areas, and facilitation of authorised recycling channels. The group argues that the issue requires a systemic response rather than isolated inspections, noting that while citizens can identify and report pollution sources, preventing emissions and ensuring compliance fall under the responsibility of civic and pollution‑control authorities. It has requested a response from the authorities regarding the proposed actions.