The results of tests released by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) show that leachate samples collected from the Aravalis near the Bandhwari landfill contain toxic substances and chemicals exceeding the permissible limits. The samples were taken from three waterbodies near the landfill’s waste processing plant on July 12 to determine if untreated leachate was being dumped into the fragile ecosystem of the Aravalis.
The report revealed that levels of various contaminants, including biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids, oil and grease, and conductivity, were higher than acceptable and being discharged into the Aravalis. BOD was found to be 910 mg/l and COD 5,080 mg/l at one pond, while another site reported a BOD of 230 mg/l and COD of 840 mg/l. The third pond had a BOD level of 500 mg/l and COD of 3,480 mg/l. The report concluded that the samples were highly toxic and untreated leachate was being discharged into the Aravalis.
Kuldeep Singh, the HSPCB regional officer, stated that the discharge of polluted wastewater in the Bandhwari area would harm the environment, and appropriate action would be taken in accordance with regulations. Vaishali Rana, an environmental activist, called for strong action against the agency and the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) in response to the allegations that leachate was contaminating groundwater.
Ecogreen, the concessionaire hired by MCG for waste management, disputed the report. They claimed that civic waste is still being dumped at the landfill, and when it rains, impurities flow from the freshly dumped waste. MCG has appointed three agencies to address the situation, according to an Ecogreen spokesperson.