A toxic landfill is growing in the Aravallis. Rs 100 crore fine changed nothing

As protests grow against the degradation and redefinition of the Aravalli range, another serious crisis looms: the Bandhwari landfill.

Despite multiple National Green Tribunal hearings and directions, the garbage dump between Gurugram and Faridabad continues to grow, causing irreparable damage to the Aravalli forest.

Newslaundry's analysis of satellite images since the landfill's inception in 2010 reveals illegal expansion. Our investigation shows the garbage site has expanded by at least 5 acres into forest land, beyond the 28.9 acres originally allotted by the Haryana government in 2010 – the site of an abandoned mine. 

Secondly, to investigate allegations of leachate (toxic liquid waste) flowing into the forests and the groundwater, Newslaundry visited the dumping zone. We found a large pool of water behind the dumping site that had turned completely black, with leachate flowing freely into it. 

With migratory birds perching on rotting vegetation, the dumping zone has proven to be a source of environmental degradation that the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon and the Haryana government have not been able to address, according to our findings. 

In 2022, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) fined the Haryana government Rs 100 crore for inaction at the Bandhwari landfill, citing violations of waste rules and severe environmental damage. The Haryana government deposited this amount with its state pollution control board. But an official in the pollution control board told Newslaundry that this sum lies unused. 

Newslaundry tried contacting several officer holders within the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram by phone and email, including Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya. No response has been received so far. This story will be updated when we receive a reply. 

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