On World Environment Day, Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar laid the foundation stone for a material recovery facility in Gurgaon's Sector 109, marking a significant step towards improving the city's waste management infrastructure. The facility, developed by the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, aims to strengthen scientific waste processing and recycling while reducing reliance on the Bandhwari landfill.
Facility Details and Capacity
Officials stated that the facility will process approximately 42 tonnes of mixed domestic, commercial, and industrial waste daily from Sector 18, Sarhaul, and surrounding areas. MCG has provided the land for the project, while private partners Nagarro and Raahgiri Foundation will develop and operate the facility. The facility will utilize automated equipment such as air classifiers and magnetic separators to segregate waste, reducing manual handling of mixed waste to less than 10%.
Technological Innovations
The facility will incorporate organic rotating drum composting technology for processing wet waste. This system treats biodegradable waste inside an enclosed rotating drum, where controlled aeration and microbial activity accelerate decomposition. Officials highlighted that the technology enables faster composting while reducing odour, space requirements, and manual handling.
Impact on Waste Management
MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya noted that Gurgaon generates around 1,500 tonnes of solid waste daily, with nearly 1,200 tonnes currently processed through existing systems. 'The new facility has been designed to scientifically process waste generated in parts of the city that currently lack dedicated waste treatment infrastructure,' he said. The facility is expected to reduce the volume of waste transported to the Bandhwari landfill, lowering transportation costs and easing pressure on the site. Recyclable material recovered at the facility will be channelled directly into recycling and value-chain networks.
Inauguration and Future Plans
Khattar inaugurated the project in the presence of Haryana environment, forest, and wildlife minister Rao Narbir Singh, Gurgaon MLA Mukesh Sharma, mayor Raj Rani Malhotra, and other officials. MCG officials stated that the project forms part of the city's broader efforts to improve solid waste management and promote sustainable urban development. Alongside the facility, the civic body plans to expand source-level waste segregation, community composting, and public awareness campaigns. A specially designed electric rickshaw, branded as the 'Swachhta Express', is also being used to promote awareness about waste segregation and waste management practices.
