Gurgaon: Authorities are expected to intensify dust-control measures, monitor construction activities and ensure compliance with pollution-mitigation requirements, according to the existing GRAP restrictions. But MCG’s enforcement data reveals a disturbing gap between issuing penalties and ensuring accountability. Between Oct 24 and Nov 4, a total of 57 challans were issued for dust mitigation, involving fines of Rs 14.2 lakh. However, the civic body recovered a mere Rs 75,000 — 5.3% — while a staggering Rs 13.5 lakh — 94.7% — remains pending.The penalties related to the construction-and-demolition waste data add to the concern. Only 17 challans were issued for C&D waste violations, attracting penalties of Rs 4.8 lakh. Of these, 10 challans have been collected, recovering Rs 2.6 lakh, while Rs 2.2 lakh, or 46.4% of the penalty amount, remains pending. C&D debris dumped indiscriminately can generate dust, obstruct roads and choke drains, making its monitoring particularly important during periods of severe air pollution.Across all 14 offence categories, the civic body issued 397 challans, imposing total penalties of Rs 26.3 lakh. Of these, 221 challans —or 55.7% — have been collected, while 176 — or 44.3% — remain pending. In financial terms, however, the recovery performance is considerably weaker. Only Rs 7.4 lakh — or 28.2% — has been recovered, while Rs 18.9 lakh — or 71.8% — remains outstanding.MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya said, “Pollution control and cleanliness are not the responsibility of the MCG alone. They are a collective responsibility of every citizen and institution. All citizens, commercial establishments, construction agencies and contractors are urged to comply with the prescribed regulations. Do not burn waste in the open, ensure proper disposal of garbage, keep construction materials covered during transportation and adopt all necessary dust-control measures. Strict action, as per the rules, will continue against those found violating the regulations. Our objective is not merely to issue challans, but to make the city a clean, beautiful and pollution-free city.”Only one challan was issued for bulk waste dumping, attracting a penalty of Rs 25,000, which remains entirely unpaid. Another 39 challans were issued for garbage burning, involving penalties of Rs 1.9 lakh, of which Rs 95,000, or 48.7%, remains pending. Sixteen challans were issued for non-bulk waste littering/dumping and illegal connections inside storm drains, involving penalties of Rs 1.6 lakh. The contrast in enforcement priorities is also striking. While 140 challans were issued for polythene violations, accounting for 35.3% of all challans, and 67 for non-availability of bins, only one case was booked for bulk waste dumping.Bhawani Shankar Tripathy, a resident of Sector 23A, told TOI that most times simple engineering solutions combined with mechanised sweeping and washing can prevent dust on roads and lead to cleaner air, “but MCG does not want to do it”. “It is not just the air in Sector 23A that is dust-laden, but even the land is heavily polluted with visible household waste dumped all along its major roads and vacant plots. It is hard to convince MCG. CAQM and CPCB must focus on preventive action points and not just grievance attendance. Preventive interventions must become a core indicator for measuring MCG actions in implementing GRAP,” Tripathy said.
