Bandhwari Landfill Turns Into Major Environmental Crisis; Villagers Seek Centre’s Intervention

The Bandhwari landfill on the Gurugram-Faridabad Road has escalated into a major environmental and public-health crisis, with toxic leachate from the waste mound reportedly flowing down the Aravalli slopes into Bandhwari village and nearby residential areas. Despite crores spent and repeated directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), residents say contamination remains unchecked and groundwater, soil and forest land are being poisoned.

Villagers have written to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav seeking urgent central intervention, accusing the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) of negligence and misleading the NGT. Activists allege the MCG falsely claimed to have constructed a protective garland drain around the landfill. However, a Central Pollution Control Board report dated September 17, 2025, stated no such drain exists.

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Environmentalists warn that the toxic seepage is spreading across the Aravalli forest belt and adjoining habitations, threatening the health of over 50,000 residents. Footage submitted to the NGT and Forest Department in October 2025 reportedly shows leachate flowing downhill into the village.

Villagers say the landfill has also encroached upon nearly 20 acres of additional Aravalli forest land, compromising wildlife habitat. Last year, a leopard was found dead near the dump, and animals have frequently been seen feeding on the garbage.

The issue is pending before the Haryana Human Rights Commission, whose chairperson inspected the site in May 2023 and termed it a humanitarian emergency. A report was sought from the State Chief Secretary, but villagers claim no concrete action has followed.

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Villagers have urged the Centre to ensure:

-Immediate stoppage of leachate discharge

-Accountability of officials for violating NGT orders

-Remediation of polluted land and groundwater in Bandhwari and four nearby villages

-Cancellation of the Wildlife Department’s NOC to the MCG

-Restoration of encroached Aravalli land to the Forest Department

-Submission of compliance report to the Human Rights Commission before its November 25, 2025, hearing

“Leachate is being transported to the STP through tankers, and a private agency has been appointed. Officials have been instructed to find a permanent solution,” said MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya.