Waste crisis deepens at Tauru in Nuh; burning garbage raises alarm

Tauru town in Nuh district is facing a deepening civic and environmental crisis as its garbage disposal system has virtually collapsed, leaving residents exposed to toxic smoke, foul stench and mounting health risks.

While door-to-door waste collection continues, the absence of a functional disposal mechanism has led to large-scale dumping and frequent burning of garbage at an open yard located about 2.5 km away in the foothills of the Aravalli range.

Municipal waste collected daily from across the town is being transported to this temporary site, where heaps of untreated garbage continue to accumulate. In an apparent attempt to manage the growing piles, waste is allegedly being set on fire, releasing hazardous fumes and severely affecting air quality in nearby areas.

Residents living in the vicinity say the persistent smoke and unbearable stench have made daily life difficult, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.

Officials said on January 7, the contract for door-to-door waste collection and transportation was awarded to Sajag Agency under a tender worth approximately Rs 5.85 crore. The agency has deployed around 15 vehicles and is regularly lifting waste.

However, the disposal process has come to a halt due to a dispute between two agencies over the execution of the contract.

According to municipal authorities, the waste was originally to be transported to the Dharuhera dumping station for scientific processing. However, the collection agency has reportedly agreed to transport waste only up to a 20-km radius, while the round trip to Dharuhera is around 30 km.

As a result, the agency has declined to carry waste beyond the current dumping yard. Meanwhile, the agency tasked with disposal has sought separate payment for lifting waste from the site, stating that proper processing can only be ensured under revised terms.

Caught in this contractual deadlock, residents are bearing the brunt of the situation. Allegations have also surfaced that garbage is being burnt at the site to reduce its volume, further aggravating pollution levels.

Locals have termed the situation a glaring example of municipal negligence and warned of long-term health implications if urgent corrective measures are not taken.

Municipal chairperson Sunita Soni acknowledged the issue, saying, “The issue has been brought to the notice of higher authorities, and efforts are underway to resolve it soon. Steps will also be taken to control incidents of fire at the dumping yard.”

For now, Tauru continues to grapple with an escalating waste management crisis, with no immediate resolution in sight as the tender dispute remains unresolved.