Despite spending nearly ₹250 crore annually on sanitation since 2023, Gurugram continues to be buried under mounting waste. The city, often nicknamed “Kudagram,” now has 230 vulnerable garbage points (VGPs) where trash is dumped daily, according to a fresh survey by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG). Officials say the problem is worsened by residents, private contractors, and what they call a “waste mafia.”
Waste Collection Breakdowns Add to Crisis
Residents argue that the collapse of door-to-door waste collection is the main reason behind overflowing dumps. “Owning a house in Gurugram was my dream. But now every morning, my wife and I argue over who will take the trash out. No one comes to collect it regularly, so we are forced to dump it at a nearby khatta,” said Pragyay Tiwari, a software engineer from Sector 46.
Areas worst affected include Dundahera, Kadipur, Pace City, Subhash Chowk, Kherki Daula, Khandsa, New Palam Vihar, Dhankot, and Daultabad. In Sikanderpur, just a short distance from Cyber Hub, one of the city’s largest dumping spots has even become a hub for stray animals. Badshahpur, a rapidly developing realty hub, now hosts six VGPs, while Sector 37 alone has eight.
Opposition leaders claim the problem is far bigger than MCG’s estimates. “Every second lane has turned into a dumpyard. The civic body says 230 garbage points exist, but our survey shows over 500. Even the MCG itself leaves waste behind after collection,” said Congress leader Pankaj Dawar.
MCG Vows Reduction in Dumping Points
The MCG, however, says steps are being taken to contain the problem. “We’ve floated new tenders, deputed permanent trollies at several key points, and managed to keep NH-8 clean, which was once a major dumping spot. Our goal is to reduce the number of garbage points from 230 to 50 in the next two months,” said Pradeep Dahiya, Commissioner of MCG.
Currently, Gurugram generates around 1,050 tonnes of domestic waste daily, most of which ends up at the already overburdened Bandhwari landfill. With ₹360 crore earmarked for sanitation in 2025-26, residents and experts alike are watching closely to see if MCG can finally move beyond temporary fixes and provide lasting solutions.