Waste burning adds to Gurugram’s air woes amid rising pollution

While stubble burning often takes the blame for the plummeting air quality in Delhi-NCR, localised waste fires are fast emerging as a major pollution source in Gurugram, leaving residents gasping for breath.

Residents’ charter of demands

- Declare waste burning a health crime

- Strengthen waste management infrastructure

- Fix accountability and ensure strict enforcement

With waste management still a major challenge across the city, several individuals and organised groups have reportedly been setting garbage piles on fire to clear them. According to multiple agencies — including the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), Manesar Municipal Council (MCM), fire department and police — over 300 waste fires have been reported this month alone.

The result has been a sharp spike in AQI levels, especially in New Gurugram and Manesar, where residents say they wake up to an acrid smell and are forced to use wet towels to counter smoke. More than 35 areas have been identified as high-risk, witnessing such incidents almost every alternate day.

Talking to 'The Tribune', MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya admitted that waste fires have become a “major challenge,” particularly around Manesar. “There has been a sudden spurt in complaints. We suspect industrial waste from IMT areas is being set on fire. Local officials and police have been put on alert and FIRs are being registered against the accused,” he said.

However, residents feel enforcement remains weak. Sunil Sareen, joint convener of DXP-GDA, called the crisis an “annual ordeal.”

“Every winter, we go through the same thing. With GRAP measures already in force and no visible difference, authorities must enforce the norms strictly,” he said.

Several resident welfare groups have written to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), flagging the surge in waste fires. “Despite repeated representations over the years, the problem persists. Timely action was not taken and now the situation demands immediate attention. Thousands are falling sick breathing this toxic air,” read a letter from the Citizens for Clean Air and Betterment (CFCAB).

Even the Aravallis have not been spared. Jitender Bhadana of Save Aravalli Trust alleged that waste was being dumped and burnt in forest areas.

“They are taking waste to the jungle and burning it. Imagine — there’s smog in the Aravallis now. GRAP enforcement is toothless while animals and humans alike are choking,” he said.