Residents of Sector 22 in Gurugram have raised serious concerns over alleged illegal cash demands for doorstep waste collection — a service meant to be free under municipal rules. Locals claim sanitation workers or private collectors have been asking for Rs80 to Rs 200 per household, even issuing receipts in the name of an old agency no longer authorised by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG).
The issue has triggered anger in several lanes where garbage has reportedly remained uncollected for days. Residents say the dual burden of paying cash and still facing sanitation lapses has worsened hygiene conditions in the area.
“We were told waste pickup is a free municipal service, but collectors are demanding money and threatening to stop collection if we refuse,” a resident said. Many allege that complaints to field-level staff did not bring immediate relief, prompting plans to escalate the matter formally to the commissioner.
MCG Denies Authorisation, Promises Strict Action
MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya has denied authorising any private individual to collect user charges directly from residents. He warned that if anyone is found demanding money in violation of municipal rules, strict action — including filing of a police complaint — will follow.
“The corporation has not authorised any private person to collect user charges in cash. Residents should not pay and must report such incidents immediately,” Dahiya said.
Officials confirmed that the matter is under review. Meanwhile, some residents are considering forming a joint committee to verify the identity of the agency involved and demand accountability.
Hygiene Concerns Mount
With waste reportedly lying unattended in parts of the sector, residents fear a spike in mosquito-borne diseases and foul odour issues. The controversy has also raised broader questions about transparency and monitoring in Gurugram’s waste management system.
For now, Sector 22 residents are demanding clarity: If the service is free, why are households being asked to pay — and why is garbage still not being picked up regularly?
