Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh on Tuesday directed the Gurugram authorities to prioritise groundwater recharge, accelerate anti-waterlogging projects, and conduct a scientific assessment of the impact of the Bandhwari landfill site on groundwater and public health during a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held in Gurugram.
Chairing the high-level review meeting at the Mini Secretariat, the Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation also instructed officials to intensify the ongoing encroachment-removal drive, improve maintenance of public toilets through new agencies, and expedite key national highway projects across Gurugram district.
Raising concerns over Gurugram’s rapidly growing population and recurring monsoon flooding, Rao said the administration must focus on long-term solutions for water conservation and urban drainage. He stressed the need for increased reuse of treated water and rainwater along with stronger groundwater recharge measures.
The minister also ordered an inquiry through a committee into alleged encroachments on the Delhi-Gurugram border near Ambience Mall.
During the meeting, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) CEO PC Meena informed that construction of a new drain line along Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by June 15. Once operational, the project is expected to significantly reduce waterlogging between Subhash Chowk and Rajiv Chowk.
Meena further said a box drain being constructed through Tau Devi Lal Stadium to address flooding near Medanta Hospital would be completed within the next 25 days, providing relief in the Medanta Hospital, stadium, and Rajiv Chowk areas. Officials also shared updates regarding the permanent drain being constructed at Narsinghpur.
Expressing concern over illegal dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste along the Gurugram-Faridabad Road, Rao directed authorities to take strict action against violators and ensure regular challans. Municipal Corporation of Gurugram Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya informed the meeting that challans worth nearly Rs 2 crore had been issued so far, with recoveries of around Rs 1.5 crore already made.
The Union Minister also flagged poor maintenance of public toilets and directed officials to identify new agencies capable of ensuring proper upkeep. He said agencies responsible for unsatisfactory maintenance in the past should be blacklisted.
In one of the key environmental directives of the meeting, Rao ordered regular groundwater testing in villages and localities surrounding the Bandhwari landfill site to assess the impact of the legacy waste dump on water quality and public health. Officials informed the meeting that nearly 14 lakh metric tonne of legacy waste remains at the landfill site, with clearance targeted by February 14 next year.
Reviewing highway infrastructure projects, Rao instructed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials to speed up construction works and maintain quality standards. Officials said the Bilaspur flyover is expected to open by August 15, while the Rathivas flyover is targeted for completion by June 15.
The meeting also reviewed the under-construction Government College in Manesar, where officials said classes are likely to begin by June 30, while finishing work on the campus is expected to continue till October.
Calling for a sustained campaign against illegal encroachments, Rao directed officials to conduct regular field monitoring and identify areas where public movement, parking, and civic facilities are being affected. He said anti-encroachment drives should ensure permanent solutions rather than temporary action.
