No checks, sewage dumped illegally at vacant plot, toxic pond comes up in Gurgaon

Gurgaon: A vacant plot spanning one acre along Sector 90, connecting to Manesar, has transformed into a sewage pond due to an "incomplete sewer network" triggering grave concerns amongst residents.
The locality encompasses several highrise societies, including Ansal Heights and DLF Sky Court. It also accommodates vital institutions such as Silver Streak Hospital and Gurgaon University.
Despite new sectors in the vicinity having been designated as zero liquid discharge areas, many such vacant plots — besides the one along Sector 90 — face the same issue. They have turned into toxic lakes. Meanwhile, GMDA officials said they are aware of the situation and have assured to set things right at the earliest.
During a site inspection, TOI on Tuesday observed untreated sewage being dumped in open areas, creating insanitary conditions and posing substantial health risks. Despite recurring complaints, authorities have failed to implement effective remedial measures. The vicinity is in a lamentable state, littered with refuse and construction and demolition (C&D) waste. The stagnant sewage has become a breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes, heightening the risk of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. "The situation is unbearable. The stench is overwhelming and the presence of flies and mosquitoes makes it impossible to stay outdoors," Abhishek Kapur, a resident of Ansal Heights, said.
Society residents are particularly apprehensive about the health implications of the sewage pond. "We have children and elderly people living here. The insanitary conditions are a serious health hazard," Mohit Sharma, a resident of Sector 87, said.
Incomplete sewer network
A principal cause is the incomplete sewer network in the area. Residents have urged GMDA to expedite the completion of the sewer network to prevent further discharge of untreated water into open areas and water bodies. "There is a need to complete the sewer network on a priority basis and ensure that untreated water is not further discharged in waterbodies," Pawan Singh, a resident of Sector 84, said.
Delayed STP construction
A sewage treatment plant (STP) with 350 million litres per day (MLD) capacity requires construction in phases in Sector 107 to manage sewage generated in Sectors 81 to 115. However, this project has encountered significant delays and remains uncommissioned by GMDA. The absence of vital infrastructure has intensified sewage management issues.
Tagged as zero liquid
discharge areas
These sectors are designated as zero liquid discharge areas, prohibiting untreated water discharge into the environment. However, mismanagement by resident welfare associations (RWAs) and underperforming STPs have led to policy violations. The STPs in these sectors operate below full capacity, compounding the issue, officials said.
Residents demand immediate intervention from authorities to address the sewage dumping and expedite the STP construction in Sector 107. They stress the necessity for a comprehensive sewage management approach, including completing the sewer network and ensuring optimal STP operation.
Praveen Malik, RWA president of Rising Homes in Sector 92, said they have been complaining about the problem for years but no permanent solution has been found. "Earlier, the societies used to dump sewage water near Gurugram University but now it has shifted to this new area. It has turned into a pond of sewage. But nobody is serious about doing anything. The authorities need to complete the sewer network on a priority basis and also ensure that untreated water is not further discharged into water bodies," he said.