Waste Mounds and Illegal Encroachments Found Near Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram

Large waste mounds, alleged encroachments and makeshift settlements have raised concern among residents of DLF Phase 3, who claim that illegal dumping in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli zone near Aravalli Biodiversity Park has intensified in recent months despite repeated complaints to civic authorities. Residents said the dumping of mixed waste and construction debris has continued for more than a decade, with the accumulation now creating a serious environmental and public safety concern.

A spot check conducted on Tuesday found more than four large mounds of mixed waste inside the protected area. Residents alleged that six to seven tractor-trolleys carrying waste enter the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram land almost daily through a narrow, muddy track leading from DLF Phase 3. Several vehicles were reportedly seen entering the area in quick succession, while none of the tractor-trolleys observed during the inspection had number plates, raising questions about monitoring and enforcement.

Residents said the dumping had increased after enforcement was tightened along the Gurugram-Faridabad road around September last year. They alleged that waste vehicles had since begun using interior tracks to access the Aravalli land. Earlier reports had also highlighted tracks being carved through S Block of DLF Phase 3, allowing vehicles to travel deeper into the forested terrain. Another access point for tractors and dumpers was found from V Block, while residents claimed that inadequate boundary demarcation had left the area vulnerable to continued violations.

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The inspection also revealed alleged encroachments, semi-permanent structures and makeshift settlements, with several families apparently residing at the site. Multiple cabs, taxis and private vehicles were parked near the structures, while electricity poles and borewells indicated the presence of established infrastructure. Tractor-trolleys and Bolero pickup vehicles without number plates were also found parked outside the settlements. Residents further pointed to an unauthorised road extending more than a kilometre from DLF Phase 3 into the Aravalli zone.

An order issued by the MCG in December 2019 for repairs to the compound wall along V-10 Street in DLF Phase 3 has apparently failed to prevent access. Residents said the wall remained breached, enabling dumpers and tractor-trailers carrying waste and construction debris to enter and leave the area. They alleged that the settlements and waste piles had expanded despite repeated complaints and the absence of visible surveillance or regular checking. Some residents compared the situation to the early stages of another major dumping site and warned that the area could face worsening environmental damage if immediate action was not taken.

District Forest Officer Gurugram Surinder Dangi said the land was classified as “Gair mumkin pahad”, referring to uncultivable hill or mountainous wasteland, and did not fall under the forest department’s jurisdiction. MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya, however, said the civic body would take up the matter immediately. He said teams would inspect the area, initiate action against illegal dumping and remove the accumulated debris, adding that ground-level action would begin within the next two to three days.

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