Gurugram: Seven of 13 water samples near landfill site unfit for consumption

Tribune News Service

Sumedha Sharma

Gurugram, February 20

Seven out of 13 water samples collected from the vicinity of the Bandhwari garbage landfill have been found unfit for consumption. The Gurugram health authorities, following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), collected these samples earlier this month. They have now sent a letter to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), requesting a chemical examination of these samples to identify the exact nature of pollutants. An advisory has also been issued to residents nearby, urging them to refrain from using groundwater, especially for drinking purposes.

Residents told not to use groundwater

• The Gurugram health authorities have sent a letter to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram requesting a chemical examination of these samples to identify the exact nature of pollutants.
• An advisory has also been issued to nearby residents, urging them to refrain from using groundwater, especially for drinking purposes.
• The water samples were collected from Bandhwari, Gwal Pahari and Baliawas villages. The highest number of failed samples are from Bandhwari, followed by Gwal Pahari and Baliawas.

“We organised two camps to collect these samples and after testing these, we found that more than half were unfit. We have shared our report with the Municipal Corporation and asked it to arrange for a detailed chemical analysis,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr Virender Yadav.

According to the report, the water samples were collected from the villages of Bandhwari, Gwal Pahari and Baliawas. The highest number of failed samples are from Bandhwari, followed by Gwal Pahari and Baliawas. Representatives of these villages had previously highlighted to the NGT the increase in the number of cancer patients over the last seven years, attributing it to the ever-increasing Bandhwari garbage hill.

The petitioners alleged that despite the MCG’s claims of treating legacy waste, it was actually being scattered in villages, leading to the deterioration of soil, water and air quality. The court had directed local authorities to test the water and conduct medical camps.

“We want the chemical analysis of the samples to be done as soon as possible so that we can understand the impact of this water on our habitation. Not only are cattle dying, but humans are also getting new diseases that were never present in our village before. Our region had no history of cancer until this mountain of garbage was built here. Now, we have 20 cancer patients in our village and 10 in Gwal Pahari, all due to contaminated water. Over 50 buffaloes have died so far, but nobody cares. The leachate flowing into the ground is contaminating water, and even the ROs don’t help,” said former sarpanch of Bandhwari Raja Ram, while speaking to The Tribune.

The MCG Commissioner, Narhari Singh Banger, stated that the issue would be given top priority, and an agency would soon be appointed to chemically test the water. He added that the treatment of legacy waste had been expedited by almost three times and would be cleared by July this year. Bangar assured that the MCG would make alternate arrangements wherever necessary for potable water.

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#Environment #Gurugram #National Green Tribunal NGT