Gurugram residents complain to Pollution Control Board against burning of metal filters

Metal filters and scrap materials are being burnt in the open by scrap dealers in various residential areas of Gurugram and the National Capital Region (NCR). Raising their voice against this practice, a residents' group named 'CleanAirBharat' has written to pollution control authorities demanding integrated action to stop this practice.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the group wrote to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) on November 4. The letter mentions that on November 4, a volunteer documented such an incident near the Fuel Nation petrol pump in Sector-52A. Apart from this, similar practices have been observed in Sector 55, 85, 52, Nawada, Manesar, Noida, and Greater Noida.

The group states that burning materials in this manner releases toxic smoke and hazardous particles into the air, causing laborers working there and nearby families to face serious health risks. Ruchika Sethi, a member of CleanAirBharat and a resident of Gurugram, stated, "Residents cannot always remain vigilant to monitor and document these fires."

The letter complains that on October 9 and 31, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) was requested to investigate waste-burning hotspots towards Sector 52, RD City, and Sai Ka Angan, but no response was received. The group has demanded that immediate joint inspections be conducted by the MCG and HSPCB and a ban be imposed on open burning.

Furthermore, it has been demanded that scrap dealers and informal material-recovery units operating in or around residential areas be mapped and linked with authorized recycling channels. The group emphasized that this is not a one-time violation but a recurring practice; therefore, instead of mere acceptance of complaints or sporadic inspections, a systematic solution is required to stop it. Residents believe that while volunteers can identify sources of pollution, the responsibility to stop emissions and ensure compliance with rules lies with the civic and pollution control authorities. A response on the proposed action has been sought from the authorities in this regard.