Bandhwari Fire: Corporation Accused of Misleading NGT

A significant fire at the Bandhwari landfill last month has led to a new complaint being filed with the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). The complaint, lodged on July 1, accuses the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) of not fulfilling fire prevention commitments previously made to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Environmental activist Vaishali Rana, a petitioner in an NGT case concerning solid waste management at Bandhwari, stated that the landfill caught fire again on June 25. This incident occurred despite MCG's affidavit from December 15, 2025, which detailed the implementation of "comprehensive fire prevention and monitoring systems." The NGT had acknowledged these submissions in its December 2025 order.

According to the complaint, MCG had informed the NGT about deploying equipment such as portable methane detectors, fire tenders, CCTV cameras, and high-mast lights. Measures like hotspot excavation and waste compaction were also cited. However, Ms. Rana asserts that the ground reality contradicts these assurances, pointing to repeated fires, including one in April 2026 that reportedly lasted 50 hours.

Ms. Rana has urged the HSPCB to conduct a surprise inspection to verify the operational status of the promised equipment and to request CCTV footage. She is seeking legal action, including environmental compensation and prosecution, if any violations or false declarations are discovered. Additionally, she calls for a joint inspection to assess ecological damage and air quality impacts.

The fires release toxic gases and particulate matter, affecting nearby villages, wildlife, and groundwater. Ms. Rana requests the HSPCB to submit its findings to the NGT for further action. Repeated attempts to contact MCG officials for a response were unsuccessful.