Allegations of garbage heaps and filth despite ₹1,800 crore spent in four years
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Haryana Government regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) filed over alleged serious irregularities in sanitation and solid waste management in Gurugram. The petition states that the civic and sanitation conditions in Gurugram remain “pathetic,” even though nearly ₹1,800 crore has been spent on these services over the past four years.
The petition, filed by Gautam Dua, demands the cancellation of door-to-door solid waste collection contracts in three zones of Gurugram. The petitioner alleges that these contracts were awarded in an “illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional manner,” with no public advertisement, competitive bidding, or transparent rate fixation.
Presented before a bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjeev Bery, the petitioner’s counsel, Amar Vivek, argued that despite such a large expenditure, there has been no concrete improvement in waste management by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram. He described the situation as “financial mismanagement and a waste of public funds,” claiming the administration has completely failed to enforce work standards on private agencies.
Citing several news reports published between April 14 and May 22, the petition points out that piles of garbage, waterlogging, and filth have become common sights on the streets of Gurugram. Despite this, no action has been taken against any municipal officials, no notices issued to contractors, and no internal investigation or criminal complaints have been filed.
The High Court has sought a response from the Haryana Government on the matter.