Major Blaze at Illegal Gurgaon Scrap Yard Triggers Pollution Control Board Action
A significant fire broke out early Monday morning at an open scrap yard located in Kankrola village, Gurgaon, where industrial waste had reportedly been illegally dumped for several years. The incident has prompted swift action from municipal authorities against both the landowner and the industries responsible for the hazardous dumping.
Fire Engulfs Industrial Waste Across Seven Acres
The blaze erupted near the IMT Manesar industrial belt, where vast quantities of scrap and industrial waste were spread across approximately six to seven acres of private land. The highly combustible materials—including plastic, rubber, and various flammable scraps—rapidly fueled the flames, creating thick plumes of smoke that spread across nearby residential areas.
"The scrap yard contained heaps of plastic, scrap, rubber and other flammable materials, which caused the fire to spread rapidly," Municipal Corporation of Manesar (MCM) officials stated. They emphasized that the landowner had permitted the plot to become an illegal dumping ground, leading to the dangerous accumulation of materials.
Municipal Corporation Seeks Legal Action and Heavy Penalties
In response to the incident, MCM has formally written to the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) requesting the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the owner of the private plot. Additionally, the civic body has urged the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) to identify the specific industries that dumped waste at the site.
"The scrap warehouse was being operated illegally. On behalf of MCM, I recommended that HSPCB impose a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh and a maximum fine of Rs 50 lakh on the source industries," said MCM joint commissioner Hitender Kumar. "A request was also made to Kherki Daula police station to register an FIR against the landowner on whose land the scrap warehouse was built."
Officials confirmed that MCM has called for strict actions against these industries, including potentially revoking their consent to operate and imposing penalties ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
Firefighting Response and Community Concerns
The Manesar fire station received an emergency call at 6:50 AM reporting the fire at the open scrap yard. Fire engines were immediately dispatched from multiple locations, including IMT Manesar, Sector 37, Sector 29, Honda, and Maruti Manesar, to combat the intense blaze.
"The fire was severe, but there was no loss of life or injuries," Fire Safety Officer Lalit Kumar reported, highlighting the effectiveness of the emergency response despite the challenging conditions.
Local residents have expressed ongoing concerns about unregulated scrap dealers in the area. Praveen Malik, President of the Rising Homes Residents Welfare Association in Sector 92, revealed that he had raised the issue with the MCM commissioner just last week.
"They should be removed since such incidents of waste being set on fire by them are common in the area," Malik stated, underscoring the recurring nature of such hazardous activities in Manesar.
Coordinated Efforts for Future Prevention
MCM joint commissioner Hitender Kumar confirmed that directions have been issued for coordinated strict action involving the pollution control board and HSIIDC. This multi-agency approach aims to address both the immediate illegal operations and the systemic issues of industrial waste management in the region.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the environmental and safety hazards posed by illegal dumping sites, particularly in industrial zones like IMT Manesar, where proper waste disposal protocols are crucial for community well-being.
