Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh on Tuesday directed Gurugram authorities to prioritise groundwater recharge, speed up anti-waterlogging projects and conduct a scientific study on the impact of the Bandhwari landfill site on groundwater and public health during a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Gurugram.
Chairing the high-level review meeting at the Mini Secretariat, the Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation also directed officials to intensify the encroachment-removal drive, improve maintenance of public toilets through new agencies and expedite key National Highway projects across the district.
Raising concerns over Gurugram’s growing population and recurring monsoon flooding, Rao said the administration must focus on long-term solutions for water conservation and urban drainage. He stressed greater reuse of treated and rainwater along with stronger groundwater recharge measures.
The minister also ordered an inquiry by a committee into alleged encroachments near Ambience Mall on the Delhi-Gurugram border.
GMDA CEO PC Meena said construction of a new drain line along the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) was progressing rapidly and was expected to be completed by June 15. Once operational, the project is expected to significantly reduce waterlogging between Subhash Chowk and Rajiv Chowk. Meena added that a box drain being built through Tau Devi Lal Stadium to tackle flooding near Medanta Hospital would be completed within the next 25 days, providing relief in the Medanta, stadium and Rajiv Chowk areas. Officials also shared updates on the permanent drain under construction 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. MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya said 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 poor maintenance in the past should be blacklisted. In a key environmental direction, Rao ordered regular groundwater testing in villages and localities around the Bandhwari landfill site to assess the impact of legacy waste on water quality and public health. Officials informed the meeting that nearly 14 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste remained at the landfill site, with clearance targeted by February 14 next year.
Reviewing highway infrastructure projects, Rao directed NHAI officials to speed up construction and maintain quality standards. Officials said the Bilaspur flyover was expected to open by August 15, while the Rathivas flyover was targeted for completion by June 15.
The meeting also reviewed the under-construction Government College in Manesar. Officials said classes were likely to begin by June 30, while finishing work on the campus would continue till October.
Rao directed officials to conduct regular field inspections and identify areas where public movement, parking and civic facilities were being affected. He said anti-encroachment drives should ensure permanent solutions rather than temporary action.
