1 in 5 pollution complaints in Gurgaon remains unresolved: CPCB data

GURGAON: Nearly 21% of complaints filed over pollution from the city over the past year remain unresolved, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The figures have raised concerns about effectiveness of grievance redress as the city continues to witness repeated air quality deterioration.

In response to an RTI filed by Noida-based activist Amit Gupta, CPCB said MCG received 763 complaints through Sameer app and social media platforms between Jan 1, 2025, and Jan 21, 2026. Of these, 590 were marked resolved, while 173 remained pending. Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) recorded a much lower closure rate. On the Sameer app, it received 179 complaints and resolved 15, leaving 164 pending, a resolution rate of 8%.

On social media, it received 89 complaints and closed 12, with 77 still pending, an 87% pendency. The data includes complaints handled by the city's north and south regional offices. HSPCB's regional unit in the city showed better performance, resolving 29 of 37 Sameer app complaints (78%). Other Haryana agencies lagged behind, with HSVP resolving none of its 14 complaints, and HSIIDC leaving both of its complaints unresolved.

MCD recorded the highest number of complaints at 2,954 and reported a resolution rate of about 82%. Noida Authority showed the weakest performance among major civic bodies, logging 915 complaints and resolving 531, leaving 384 pending, a 42% pendency. Greater Noida Authority reported a resolution rate of over 95%, at least on record. MCG's performance varied by platform. It resolved 450 of 510 social media complaints (88%), but closed only 140 of 243 Sameer app complaints, leaving 103 pending. Across Delhi-NCR, the RTI data showed 8,836 pollution-related complaints during the period. Of these, 5,820 were resolved, while 3,016 (35%) are pending.Sameer app complaints totaled 5,222, with 3,521 (67%) resolved and 1,701 (33%) pending. Social media complaints stood at 3,614, of which 2,299 (64%) were closed and 1,315 remained unresolved. The activist questioned the credibility of the closure figures.

"Around 80% complaint resolution in Gurgaon is difficult to believe. Do you really think 82% of complaints get resolved in MCD?" he said. "Around 35% of all Delhi-NCR complaints are from MCD alone. If you add Noida Authority, these two agencies together account for 44% of the total complaints across Delhi-NCR." Environmental experts said the data reflects deeper enforcement gaps. "Complaint portals create an impression of action, but without strict timelines, repeat inspections and accountability, many closures remain on paper. Pollution sources often reappear at the same locations," said Delhi-based activist Varun Gulati.