Gurugram, In a decisive move to tackle the escalating waste management crisis, Haryana Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad announced on Wednesday that the state government has declared a municipal solid waste exigency in Gurugram. This declaration, under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, signifies the urgent need to address the alarming levels of untreated waste adversely affecting both the environment and public health in the city.
Prasad, who also chairs the Executive Committee of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), stated that the Solid Waste Environment Exigency Programme (SWEEP) has been launched to counter this critical issue. The initiative is driven by a high-level committee comprising key officials including the divisional commissioner, deputy commissioner, municipal commissioner, chief engineer of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), a senior environmental engineer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, and the deputy commissioner of police.
The SWEEP programme aims to overhaul the waste management system across all 35 wards of Gurugram and GMDA areas through a comprehensive three-tier strategy. This includes systematic waste collection, segregation, transportation, processing, and disposal. To facilitate efficient monitoring and management, a 24×7 control room with a dedicated helpline will be established. Furthermore, the programme will implement a GIS-based mapping system for tracking waste and develop a robust grievance redressal mechanism.
In addition to municipal solid waste, the programme also targets the management of construction and demolition waste. It ensures the availability of adequate machinery for waste processing and introduces cleanliness awards to incentivize compliance. An Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) plan will also be launched to raise public awareness about waste management practices.
Daily progress reports will be submitted to the State Disaster Management Authority, and any violations of the new waste management regulations will incur punitive measures in accordance with the law. This proactive approach reflects the state government’s commitment to environmental preservation and public health, as highlighted in the Supreme Court’s recent observations.
The Supreme Court, in its May 13 order, along with the National Green Tribunal’s observations, underscored the urgent need for a cleaner environment, emphasizing it as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court noted that untreated solid waste severely impacts the environment and infringes on citizens’ right to live in a pollution-free environment.
The SWEEP initiative in Gurugram is set to serve as a model for other municipal areas in Haryana, demonstrating a comprehensive and enforceable approach to urban waste management, and showcasing the state’s commitment to sustainable development and public welfare.
