In a decisive move to combat the city's deteriorating air quality, Gurgaon's Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Pradeep Dahiya, has issued a directive for enhanced inter-departmental coordination. On Thursday, Dahiya instructed officials from multiple civic agencies to work in unison for the effective execution of the city's comprehensive action plan against air pollution.
Multi-Agency Coordination and Enhanced Monitoring
Commissioner Dahiya directed officials from the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG), Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), Police Department, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Public Works Department (PWD), and Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited (GMCBL) to synchronize their efforts. A key instruction was given to the HSPCB to increase the number of air quality monitoring systems across the city. Currently, Gurgaon has only five such systems, with one located in Manesar.
The meeting also focused on the meticulous implementation of the annual action plan for 2025-26. Dahiya emphasized critical areas including better road cleaning and the prompt lifting of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, horticulture waste, dust, and soil as per the established guidelines.
Major Focus on Dust Control and Infrastructure
The action plan outlines a robust strategy targeting major pollution sources. Strict provisions for dust control at construction sites have been mandated. The city is leveraging its C&D waste processing plant in Basai, which handles large quantities of debris daily for disposal and reuse. The plan also proposes new processing plants to curb illegal dumping activities.
A significant infrastructure component involves the redevelopment of over 722 kilometres of roads by various agencies to control dust pollution. Of this, the MCG alone will revamp more than 600 km. The Commission for Air Quality Management has identified these roads for redevelopment under a framework with an estimated cost of Rs 2,045 crore, with funds reportedly available.
Specifically, MCG has proposed redeveloping 611 km of roads at a cost of about Rs 571 crore over the financial years 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28. Other measures include augmenting city bus services, installing EV charging points, deploying additional sprinkling machines, and using large mechanical road sweepers, including 4 medium sweeping machines.
Greening, Awareness, and Waste Management
The plan extends beyond infrastructure. Special attention will be given to the beautification and greening of roadside green strips, central verges, and footpaths. The MCG has also set an ambitious target to complete legacy waste processing by March 2028.
To foster public participation, awareness campaigns are being planned. These will include street plays, social media drives, and outreach programs through schools, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), colleges, and citizen groups. Commissioner Dahiya expressed confidence that with better inter-departmental coordination and active cooperation from citizens, Gurgaon would witness a marked improvement in air quality in the coming years.
The extensive annual action plan was recently presented before the Union Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, highlighting the city's committed roadmap to tackle its air pollution crisis head-on.
