In a major civic initiative aimed at combating urban waste and promoting sanitation, Gurgaon has launched a city-wide cleanliness drive. This large-scale operation, organized jointly by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) and the district administration, saw sanitation staff and thousands of volunteers mobilize to clean and spruce up 46 designated sites across the city. The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who personally joined the campaign, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the cause.
The campaign is part of an 11-week Haryana Shehar Swachhata campaign initiated by the state government. For this one-day mega-drive, a robust plan was put in place. Each of the 46 locations, which include high-traffic arterial stretches and commercial hubs like IFFCO Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, and Hero Honda Chowk, had a dedicated team of at least 1,250 volunteers. These teams were supported by three tractor-trolleys for efficient waste collection and disposal. Four senior MCG officers were assigned to each site to monitor and coordinate the efforts, ensuring a smooth and effective operation.
Chief Minister Saini’s participation was a major highlight, as he was scheduled to visit eight key sites to encourage the participants. MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya expressed optimism about the initiative, noting the active participation of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and ward councillors, which is crucial for the success of such community-driven campaigns. However, the drive also sparked a broader conversation about the city’s persistent sanitation challenges. While the immediate impact of the cleanup was visible, residents and civic activists pointed out that these “mega-drives” are not a long-term solution.
Many residents, including Kundan Lal Sharma, a local RWA general secretary, argued that a one-day event is merely a “photo opportunity” that fails to address the deep-rooted issues. The city continues to grapple with an overflowing landfill at Bandhwari, inadequate waste segregation, and irregular garbage collection. Critics emphasized the need for systemic improvements in solid waste management infrastructure, rather than relying on sporadic cleanliness drives. The event has therefore served as a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve a truly clean and sustainable city, moving beyond temporary fixes to institutionalizing effective waste management practices.
4. Dengue Cases Cross 500 in Haryana; Health Officials Urge Caution
Haryana has recorded a significant rise in dengue cases this year, with the total number of confirmed infections crossing the 500 mark. According to the state’s vector-borne disease bulletin, 509 cases were reported as of September 10. While this figure is a cause for concern, health officials have highlighted that the infection rate remains “far lower” compared to previous outbreak years, such as 2021 and 2022, when the state reported over 11,000 and 8,000 cases, respectively. Crucially, no deaths have been reported so far.
Rewari has emerged as the worst-affected district with 142 cases, followed by Gurugram (51), Sonipat (37), Rohtak (37), Karnal (32), and Panchkula (24). A majority of the patients were treated on an outpatient basis, while 209 have been discharged after a full recovery. Only 23 patients remain admitted to various hospitals across the state. This indicates that while the virus is circulating, most cases are manageable and not leading to severe complications.
Hospitals in the state have reported a clear increase in patient footfall with dengue-like symptoms. Dr. Shailesh Sahay, Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Max Hospital in Gurugram, noted that their Outpatient Department (OPD) is seeing a rising number of patients presenting with high-grade fever, severe body aches, headaches, and nausea. Similarly, Dr. Sushila Kataria of Medanta Hospital stated that they are attending to 10-15 patients with dengue symptoms daily, with a few requiring hospitalization.
In response to the rising numbers, the state’s health department has stepped up its preventive and control measures. Dengue and other vector-borne diseases have been made notifiable, ensuring prompt reporting and monitoring of cases. The government has also established 27 testing laboratories across various districts and is offering free single-donor platelet therapy at government hospitals for eligible patients. The department has conducted extensive “source reduction drives,” covering over 2.8 crore homes and deploying more than 5,000 fogging machines to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. These proactive steps, along with continued public awareness campaigns, are crucial to keeping the situation under control and preventing a larger outbreak.
5. Police Officer Injured in Drug Raid Attack in Taraori
In a brazen act of defiance against law enforcement, a police team conducting a drug raid in Taraori, Karnal district, was attacked by a group of individuals, leaving a sub-inspector seriously injured. The incident occurred late Wednesday evening when a team from the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) arrived at a house suspected of being involved in drug-related activities. As the police party entered the premises, they were allegedly ambushed by a group of residents, including family members and relatives of the suspects. The attackers, armed with sticks and sharp-edged weapons, assaulted the officers in a desperate attempt to obstruct the raid.
Sub-Inspector Rohtash sustained multiple injuries in the scuffle and had to be rushed to a government hospital. He was later transferred to a private hospital for advanced medical care and is currently undergoing treatment. Following the attack, the accused fled the scene, prompting a massive combing operation by the police to track them down. Officials have confirmed that some suspects have been detained for questioning, and multiple police teams are actively involved in the search.
The Taraori police station has registered a case against 10 to 12 individuals under relevant sections of the law, including attempted murder and obstructing government officials from performing their duties. Sub-Inspector Karambir of Taraori police stated, “We have registered a case against 10-12 people for attempted murder and for creating obstacles in the way of government officials on duty. Several suspects have been rounded up, and further investigation is underway.” The incident underscores the significant risks faced by law enforcement officers, especially when dealing with organized criminal elements involved in drug trafficking.
This attack is part of a broader, more aggressive resistance from drug syndicates, which have been a persistent challenge for the police in the region. The state government has been actively cracking down on drug-related crime, and incidents like this highlight the intensity of the fight against narcotics. The police have vowed to bring all the culprits to justice and have launched a thorough investigation to dismantle the entire network. This event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those on the frontlines of the battle against crime.
