What Precautions Are Being Taken to Address Fire Risks at the Bandhwari Landfill Site in Gurugram?

Synopsis
In Gurugram, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar stresses the need for urgent precautions to prevent fire incidents at the Bandhwari landfill site. Enhanced safety measures, including increased methane detectors and fire safety equipment, are being implemented to ensure public health and environmental safety.
Key Takeaways
- Bandhwari landfill site safety measures are being enhanced.
- Increased methane detectors now number six.
- Installation of fire extinguishing plants and monitoring systems.
- Dust control regulations are being enforced rigorously.
- Road repair deadlines set for June 15.
Gurugram, May 2 (NationPress) The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Gurugram, Ajay Kumar, emphasized the importance of implementing all essential precautions to avert future fire incidents at the Bandhwari landfill site within the district. He proposed the construction of borewells and storage tanks to ensure an adequate water supply for fire emergencies.
During a meeting held on Thursday with officials from various departments responsible for air quality, pollution control, and solid waste management, Kumar was briefed on the current measures in place to handle potential incidents at the landfill.
According to officials from the Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG), the number of methane detectors at the site has increased from two to six. These portable units are now affixed to Poclain machines to ensure safety.
In addition to the detectors, arrangements have been made for 27 fire extinguishing plants, 55 fireballs, two water tankers, and two sprinkler pumps. Moreover, 26 CCTV cameras have been installed for continuous monitoring of the landfill.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed MCG officials, along with the National Highways Authority of India, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, and the Pollution Control Department, to implement measures for dust control throughout the district. He reiterated that the Haryana government has mandated that all road repairs and constructions must be finalized by June 15.
He urged all relevant departments to expedite the reinforcement of road infrastructures. Simultaneously, the Pollution Control Department reminded that registration of construction sites exceeding 500 square meters on their dust portal is obligatory, with over 2,000 such sites in Gurugram. Notices are being dispatched to operators failing to register.
The DC instructed for mechanized road sweeping and water sprinkling twice daily on ongoing construction roads for effective dust management. Regarding solid waste management, Kumar called for strict actions against regulatory violations.
The Pollution Control Board has identified eight hotspots in the area, and an environmental compensation fee of Rs 2 crore has been levied on negligent agencies. "Collective responsibility lies with us for pollution control, and there must be no laxity concerning the health of citizens. It is crucial to take necessary precautions to manage fire incidents, especially in forested areas," asserted the Deputy Commissioner.