Gurgaon: Sewage crisis plagues new housing societies

Thousands of families residing in newly developed housing societies along Gurgaon's Southern Peripheral Road and Dwarka Expressway are facing a prolonged crisis due to the absence of a fully functional sewerage network. Despite a decade of rapid expansion, many sectors remain dependent on temporary sewage disposal methods.

Untreated wastewater is either transported by private tankers or illegally discharged into open drains and vacant plots. This practice not only creates foul odors and mosquito breeding grounds during summer but also risks groundwater contamination and causes sewage to overflow onto roads during monsoon rains. Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of basic civic amenities, despite having paid development charges.

The Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) stated that sewer infrastructure is being developed in phases. While some projects are underway or nearing completion, others are hampered by litigation and land acquisition issues. In some areas, sewer lines are laid but remain unconnected to sewage treatment plants due to pending court matters.

GMDA officials urge housing societies to manage their sewage responsibly by operating in-house sewage treatment plants (STPs) and reusing treated water for horticulture and flushing. Non-compliance with these guidelines, including illegal dumping, can result in action by the municipal corporation. However, residents report weak enforcement and shifting of illegal dumping sites when complaints arise.

Meanwhile, portions of master sewer lines remain incomplete due to ongoing legal and land hurdles, preventing the full commissioning of the system. Resolving these issues is crucial for establishing the necessary connectivity and providing a permanent solution to the ongoing sewage disposal challenges.