Gurgaon Residents Call For Cleaner, Greener Construction Practices

Unchecked construction activities can lead to air pollution. Gurgaon — the millennium city has the maximum number of project launches and large scale infrastructure development. Over 70,000 housing units have already been sold. Many people have already moved into their new homes, while other projects are at advanced stages of construction. The dumping of waste from construction and demolition sites is going unchecked across Gurgaon. The level of air pollution remains an issue.

Not just the old residents, even many individuals who moved to Gurgaon in pursuit of a healthier and improved life have had to bear the brunt of the city's deteriorating air quality. Gurpreet Ahuja, a Gurgaon-based resident, says, "Our house is very close to an area where extensive construction is happening. Anyone can spot labourers digging on these sites each day. Most of these ongoing construction projects do not follow environmental and safety standards. This impacts the lives of numerous families living in the area."

Pulkit Chopra, a resident of Golf Course Extension Road, says, "With the constant worsening of air quality, the government should be more concerned about the health of citizens and take adequate steps to address the issue. By putting air purifiers on when indoors and wearing air masks when outdoors doesn't solve the issue. For the masses — the authority needs to check the rubble from the construction sites."

Areas (yet to be open for public) should be under surveillance

Areas like, Southern Peripheral Road, Northern Peripheral Road and Golf Course Road are still under construction. Several reputed developers are constructing residential projects in these areas. What is being unnoticed is the huge pile-up of construction and demolition waste produced while developing these projects. The arterial roads between sectors 58 and 115 are in an even more deplorable state. Sectors like 29, 30, 44, 46 and 40, which have lately witnessed a realty boom also struggles with the same problem of dumping of construction waste.

As per the Gurgaon-Manesar Master Plan 2031, HUDA has given up on acquiring 1,294 acres of land to develop open spaces in these sectors. As mentioned in the plan, these open spaces will remain defined as open spaces. No construction can be carried out here. If the cash-starved HUDA is able to acquire this 1,294 acres of land again, then it will be a boon for Gurgaon residents who are battling air pollution.

Prospective buyers' today are smart enough to notice these concerns. Just considering the developer and project details isn't enough. Buyers thoroughly check the neighbourhood to look out for health hazards. From parks, green landscapes to empty land full of rubble, everything gets scrutinised. Developers need to focus on clean, green and safe neighbourhoods and not just the project.