Gurgaon: MCG has directed GMDA to repair potholes on city roads within 48 hours as part of efforts to control dust pollution and improve civic infrastructure. The direction was issued at a meeting chaired by MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya on Monday to review the action plan for air pollution control.Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) officials were also instructed to take action against illegal tyre recycling units, polluting industries and construction activities violating Environment Protection Act, 1986.Authorities were asked to inspect industries operating without mandatory clearances such as consent to establish and consent to operate, and to shut down units found non-compliant.The traffic police were directed to identify major congestion points and toll plazas and prepare a decongestion plan. Officials were also told to review the use of parking sites and remove encroachments.The civic body has set a target to reduce particulate matter levels by 15 to 20% in 2026. Officials from various departments attended the meeting and were asked to meet quarterly targets under the plan.It was stated at the meeting that an automated challan system based on automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) is operational under the integrated traffic management system implemented through the smart cities mission.Officials of GMCBL said the city requires around 1,000 buses, while 150 are currently operational. “A phased expansion plan is being prepared in line with guidelines of the ministry of housing and urban affairs,” an official said. A proposal to add 200 buses was discussed by the high power purchase committee, and the new buses are expected by the end of April.Dahiya said the city has adopted a multi-dimensional strategy for air pollution control. “A target has been set to reduce pollution levels in 2026 through action against illegal activities, traffic management, green initiatives, waste management and public participation. Directions have been issued to all departments to ensure coordinated implementation,” he said.The process of hiring 30 truck-mounted anti-smog guns on rent was also asked to be expedited. A target of 100% end-to-end road paving was set for Oct 2027.Further, joint commissioners were directed to strengthen the dust free road campaign, increase mechanised road sweeping and improve the management of construction and demolition waste. The corporation plans to involve women self-help groups in waste collection and segregation, and to prepare a request for proposal for a decentralised waste management system.Officials said 55 of the 74 ponds in the municipal area have been developed. The remaining ponds will be cleaned and deepened before the monsoon. Departments were also asked to prepare plantation plans focusing on indigenous species.Moreover, the corporation will launch a citywide awareness campaign with resident welfare associations, industry groups and universities to promote waste segregation, circular economy practices and sustainable packaging.Officials from departments including PWD, HSVP, NHAI, the engineering wing, Swachh Bharat Mission and the horticulture department were asked to submit phased action plans for 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28.
