Bandhwari landfill in Gurugram under fire as NGT flags continued breach of environmental norms

Gurugram: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed strong displeasure over continuing violations of environmental norms at the Bandhwari landfill site near Gurugram after a joint inspection revealed that untreated leachate is still overflowing into nearby plantation and forest areas.

The case was heard after a local resident alleged that hazardous leachate from the dump had been flowing into the village and forest due to the absence of garland drains for over a year, creating a serious public health risk.

On 14 August 2025, the Tribunal directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Ministry of Environment’s regional office in Chandigarh to conduct a joint inspection.

The inspection, carried out on 17 September 2025, paints a grim picture. According to the report, excess leachate from the landfill is being routed through temporary kutcha drains and concrete pipes into a plantation/forest area where it collects in a large pond.

None of the three leachate storage ponds at the site have impervious linings to prevent groundwater contamination. Nor is there any system for measuring the actual quantity of leachate being generated, despite the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram’s affidavit claiming 200 KLD.

The team also found no on-site treatment facility for the leachate. Municipal officials told inspectors that tankers were transporting leachate to the 170-MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Behrampur, Sector-48.

However, data from the STP shows it received only about 125 KLD of leachate in June 2025 and no analysis of key contaminants—such as heavy metals, total nitrogen or phosphorus—was made available.

For the past two months, leachate has reportedly been discharged directly into manholes feeding public sewers along with untreated sewage without prior testing against standards laid down under the Environment Protection Rules.

Separately, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) informed the Tribunal that it has imposed environmental compensation of ₹6.3 crore on the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram between April 2020 and June 2025, of which ₹3.5 crore is still to be recovered.

Taking note of the findings, the Tribunal directed the State Environment Department, HSPCB and the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram to file compliance affidavits within four weeks.

The Principal Secretary (Environment) has also been asked to verify claims that leachate has been accumulating in farmers’ fields and damaging soil fertility, and to take immediate remedial action.

Senior counsel for the Haryana government told the NGT that he would consult the highest state authorities to ensure corrective measures, while counsel for the municipal corporation assured the bench that positive instructions on payment of environmental compensation would be obtained within four weeks.

The case highlights the ongoing environmental and public-health challenge posed by the Bandhwari landfill, which has long drawn criticism from residents and green groups for leachate seepage and inadequate waste-processing facilities.

The Bandhwari Landfill is a major waste dumping site for Gurugram and Faridabad, established in 2008. It has been the subject of concern due to fires, as well as pollution affecting groundwater quality from landfill leachate. Significant amounts of unprocessed waste, known as “legacy waste,” accumulate at the site, contributing to air quality issues.