Gurugram's Pollution: Causes And Concerns

Gurugram, a city in Haryana, India, has been named one of the most polluted cities in the world. In 2018, it was declared the most polluted city in an international survey by IQAir and Greenpeace. The city's poor air quality has been attributed to various factors, including construction dust, vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, waste burning, and the use of diesel generators and vehicles. The lack of adequate monitoring stations and the government's lax approach to the issue have also been criticized. This has led to concerns about the health of Gurugram's residents, with many experiencing breathing problems and other health issues.

Vehicular pollution

One of the primary sources of vehicular pollution in Gurugram is the heavy traffic that plies on its roads day and night. MG Road, for instance, is a major commercial hub, home to numerous residential complexes and shopping malls, and it connects Gurugram to Delhi, resulting in a constant flow of vehicles. The construction of a Metro station on MG Road has also led to encroachment, causing traffic congestion and further exacerbating vehicular pollution in the area.

Another factor contributing to vehicular pollution in Gurugram is the lack of regulations on vehicle emissions. Unlike Delhi, which has implemented CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) requirements for public transport, Gurugram has not enforced similar measures. As a result, vehicles emitting black smoke are a common sight, releasing harmful gases into the city's air.

The excessive use of diesel, both in cars and generators, further exacerbates the problem. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has identified diesel generator sets as one of the prime reasons for the poor air quality in the city. However, the government has not imposed any restrictions on the utilization of these generators, allowing their use to continue unchecked.

Moreover, the rapid development and construction activities in Gurugram contribute to the dust pollution, which, when combined with vehicle emissions, creates a toxic mix. Areas like Iffco Chowk, which connects three arterial roads, experience high levels of vehicular pollution due to traffic jams and construction dust. The situation is similar at Rajiv Chowk, where ongoing construction sites add to the pollution caused by heavy vehicles.

Construction dust

A recent survey by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) identified Rajiv Chowk as the city's most polluted spot, with numerous construction sites along the stretch connecting Sohna Road with Old Gurgaon and NH-8. Construction and demolition waste (C&D) is the biggest source of pollution in Gurugram, contributing to about 30% of its air pollution. Despite a blanket ban, defaulters continue to dump C&D waste illegally, turning key junctions into construction waste dumps.

The city's rapid development, with intensive construction activities, is a significant source of dust pollution. The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has imposed penalties for dumping C&D waste illegally, but the issue persists. The state government and civic bodies have come under scrutiny for their disposal of C&D waste in the Aravalis, a crucial natural buffer for the city.

To address construction dust, the HSPCB has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes measures such as banning construction work and sprinkling water on roads when air quality reaches 'Severe' levels for an extended period. However, experts argue that more proactive steps are needed to curb air pollution, and residents express concerns about the impact of poor air quality on their health.

Industrial emissions

One of the main industrial areas in Gurugram is Udyog Vihar, which spans 700 acres and is home to several textile factories, automobile industries, food processing units, and IT firms. The emissions from these industries are a major source of air pollution in the city. Industrialists also blame the lack of green belts, traffic congestion, and waste burning for the rising pollution levels in the area.

The excessive use of diesel generator sets, or gensets, in Gurugram further exacerbates the problem. The Indian authorities have launched the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) to reduce transport and industrial emissions, but no restrictions have been imposed to control the utilization of gensets in the city.

In addition to industrial emissions, construction dust, vehicular pollution, and the burning of waste also contribute to the poor air quality in Gurugram. The city's rapid development has led to an increase in construction activities, adding to the dust pollution. The lack of adequate monitoring stations and the malfunction of existing monitors further hinder the accurate assessment of the city's air quality.

Overall, industrial emissions, along with other factors, have severe implications for the health of Gurugram's residents, with many people suffering from respiratory issues and other health problems due to the poor air quality.

Diesel generator sets

The high usage of diesel generator sets in Gurugram is due to the frequent power cuts in the city, especially during the summer months. During peak summer, 1500 DG sets in the city burn around 50,000 litres of diesel per hour, releasing harmful pollutants into the air. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of restrictions from the government to control the excessive use of diesel generator sets.

The use of diesel generator sets has also been found to be more costly compared to alternative sources of power. The per-unit cost of electricity generated by diesel generator sets is around Rs 35 per unit, while solar rooftop panels (SRTs) cost less than Rs 6 per unit. Despite the clear advantages of SRTs, there has been poor compliance with a 2016 HAREDA order that mandated the installation of SRTs by large industrial, commercial, and institutional consumers. Additionally, solar developers have cited high upfront costs, unfamiliarity with system performance, and maintenance issues as barriers to the wider adoption of solar power in Gurugram.

To address the issue of diesel generator sets and improve air quality, Indian authorities have launched the National Clean Air Program (NCAP). The objective of the NCAP is to reduce transport and industrial emissions, lower dust pollution, and implement limiting rules on biomass burning. The program aims to cut pollution by 20% to 30% in 102 of the most polluted cities in India, including Gurugram, by 2024.

Waste burning

Residents of Gurugram have reported frequent cases of waste burning, with black smoke billowing into the air and forcing people to keep their doors and windows shut. This practice is often carried out at night, and it is attributed to the accumulation of garbage in certain areas. The waste is sometimes dumped illegally by unauthorised waste collecting vendors who operate in the city, particularly in Zone 4 and Zone 3, which include Golf Course Extension Road and Sohna Road.

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has claimed to have zero tolerance for waste burning and illegal dumping, deploying teams to monitor these activities. However, residents have criticised the MCG for not taking strict enough action to prevent waste burning and dumping. The inefficient waste management system in the city exacerbates the problem.

In addition to waste burning, other factors contributing to the air pollution in Gurugram include industrial emissions, traffic congestion, construction dust, and the use of diesel for vehicles and generators. The city's proximity to Delhi, another highly polluted city, also impacts its air quality. The lack of green belts and proper ventilation further hinder the dispersion of pollutants.

To address the air pollution crisis, Indian authorities have launched the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), aiming to reduce transport and industrial emissions, lower dust pollution, and impose limitations on biomass burning. While Gurugram's 2019 air pollution data showed some improvement, the city continues to face significant challenges in improving its air quality and reducing the health risks associated with poor air quality.

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