Not so swachh: Dusty roads lead to fine on sweeping contractor in Gurgaon

Gurgaon: A penalty of Rs 25,000 was levied on a mechanical sweeping contractor for inadequate cleaning services in the city. The penalty followed an inspection conducted by joint commissioner Sumit Kumar in Zone-4. Officials inspected areas from Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) to Vatika Chowk on both sides of the road, Rajesh Pilot Road and the roads in sectors 65 and 66. It was found that a large amount of dust accumulated on the left side of the road. The dust was blowing on the road, suggesting that either the agency did not work on this road or the left-side brush of the sweeping machine was not touching the road. As a result, the cleanliness of the road was in poor condition.Road sweeping operations of the areas under the MCG are conducted through dual methods: automated mechanical sweeping systems and traditional manual cleaning performed by outsourced sanitation staff from private contractors alongside permanent MCG employees. "The agency's negligence was also violating NGT orders and tarnishing the image of the MCG. Consequently, a fine of Rs 25,000 was imposed on the sweeping machine operating agency. The agency was instructed to ensure complete cleaning of all the mentioned roads within a week and submit a report with photos to the office. If the agency fails to do so, further action will be taken against it as per the rules," said the joint commissioner.MCG commissioner Ashok Kumar Garg directed all joint commissioners to check the attendance of sanitation workers and the availability of cleaning resources and vehicles in their respective zones daily and report back. They joint commissioners have been directed to conduct surprise inspections to assess the cleanliness system and ensure action against the responsible agency in case of any negligence. All joint commissioners are now conducting surprise inspections in their respective zones.