Haryana Minister Outlines Bandhwari Landfill Cleanup Strategy and Rs 330 Crore Waste Management Project
In a significant development during the budget session, Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel addressed the ongoing efforts to tackle the massive waste crisis at the Bandhwari landfill site, located on the Gurugram-Faridabad border. Responding to a query from Congress MLA Kuldeep Vats, who represents the Badli constituency, Goel detailed the government's comprehensive plan for the management, bio-mining, and disposal of legacy waste that has plagued the region for over a decade.
Integrated Solid Waste Management Project and Contract Details
Minister Goel revealed that the estimated cost for the integrated solid waste management project (ISWM) targeting the Faridabad–Gurugram cluster is a substantial Rs 330 crore. To execute this ambitious initiative, the municipal corporations of Gurugram and Faridabad awarded a 22-year contract to M/s Ecogreen Energy Pvt Ltd on August 14, 2017. This long-term agreement underscores the scale and complexity of the waste disposal challenge in the area.
Financial Transactions and Penalties Imposed
Providing a financial breakdown, Goel informed that from 2017 to 2024, a total payment of Rs 157.07 crore has been made to M/s Ecogreen Energy Pvt Ltd. However, due to performance issues, a penalty of Rs 11.46 crore was imposed on the company. The minister emphasized that the project undergoes rigorous oversight, with technical evaluations conducted by independent agencies such as IIT Roorkee and IIT Guwahati, while financial audits are handled by the audit department of the Haryana government.
Progress in Waste Disposal and Remaining Challenges
Highlighting the progress made so far, Goel stated that the Gurugram Municipal Corporation has successfully disposed of 36.28 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste at the Bandhwari site, incurring a cost of Rs 311.50 crore. Despite this achievement, approximately 16.60 lakh metric tonnes of waste still remains at the location. The government has set a target to complete the disposal of this remaining waste by March 2027, aiming to ensure enhanced cleanliness and environmental improvement in the region.
Health Concerns and Legal Scrutiny
During the discussion, Minister Goel and MLA Kuldeep Vats engaged in a heated exchange over the disease outbreaks in the Bandhwari area, which have allegedly claimed human lives and remained unresolved for more than ten years. This issue has periodically drawn the attention of the apex green bench of the country, putting the Haryana government under significant pressure to address the environmental and public health hazards. The ongoing efforts are part of a broader push to mitigate these risks and restore the ecological balance in the affected communities.
