How Plastic Waste Is Polluting Gurugram’s Lakes and Ponds

The Dying Waters of Gurugram

Gurugram once had over 600 ponds, lakes, and seasonal wetlands. Today, less than 10% remain in any usable form. The biggest culprit? Plastic waste. From drain runoff to direct dumping, plastic has made its way into our waterbodies, threatening biodiversity, water quality, and the city’s already stressed ecosystem.

Gurugram’s Shrinking Blue Spaces

According to a 2023 GMDA report, over 80% of natural waterbodies in Gurugram have either dried up or been encroached. The remaining ones—like Basai Wetlands, Ghata Lake, and Wazirabad Pond—are under direct threat from plastic pollution.

Plastic wrappers, bottles, packaging materials, and even microplastics have been found floating on the surface or trapped in the sediment.

A 2022 study by TERI found microplastics in 3 out of 5 tested ponds in NCR, with concentrations highest near urban settlements. (Source)

How Does Plastic Reach Our Lakes and Ponds?

• Through stormwater drains during monsoon runoff

• Illegal garbage dumping in and around lake peripheries

• Incomplete or absent waste segregation at source

• Overflowing landfill seepage into water systems

Ecological Impact of Plastic in Water

• Chokes Aquatic Life: Turtles, birds, and fish ingest plastic pieces

• Degrades Water Quality: Plastics leach chemicals like BPA into the water

• Destroys Habitats: Floating plastic reduces oxygen levels and sunlight penetration

• Invites Mosquito Breeding: Stagnant water mixed with waste becomes a vector breeding ground

Case Study: Basai Wetland

Once a biodiversity hotspot with over 280 species of birds, Basai is now covered with construction debris and plastic bags. Migratory bird sightings have dropped by over 40% in the last 5 years.

Why This Threatens Gurugram’s Water Security

Gurugram’s groundwater is depleting at a rate of 1.5 to 2 meters per year. Natural waterbodies were once recharge zones. Plastic clogs prevent rainwater from seeping into the ground, reducing natural recharge. In effect, plastic waste isn’t just killing our lakes—it’s drying our taps.

What Needs to Be Done

• Cleanup Drives: Regular lake cleaning by RWAs, NGOs, and volunteers

• Plastic Bans Enforcement: Strict monitoring around waterbody zones

• Urban Planning: Designated waste zones and buffer areas

• CSR Engagement: Brands can adopt waterbodies and sponsor restoration projects

The Role of Communities

• Stop throwing pooja items and plastic near waterbodies

• Join local lake adoption groups

• Conduct plastic audits in households

Time Is Running Out

If plastic keeps entering our waterbodies, we won’t just lose our lakes—we’ll lose our water future. Gurugram must act now. Not just governments, but citizens, RWAs, and corporates must work together.

Let’s stop the flow of plastic before it dries our city.