Gurugram, Oct. 26 -- Amid Gurugram's "poor" air quality post-Diwali, residents reported frequent garbage burning at multiple locations, including the Sohna dumping site, Sector 77, Golf Course Extension Road, and Sector 81. These incidents occur even as Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) Stage II restrictions remain in force across Delhi-NCR. Under Grap-II, the use of coal and firewood is restricted, construction activities are suspended, and road sweeping and water sprinkling are mandatory. Residents of Sohna's Ward 12 said garbage has been burning daily for nearly a week at the dumping area near Nirankari Baba Gurbachan Singh Memorial College. Kapil Jangriya, a resident, stated, "There is constant smoke lingering in the air, making it difficult to breathe. Senior citizens and children are the worst affected. They say pollution is due to firecrackers, but the real problem is waste burning and rising dust pollution. Our homes are right next to these dumping grounds-how are we expected to live amid such health risks?" Jaspal Singh Sandhu, who owns a workshop on Old Alwar Road, said the situation worsened on Thursday night, prompting residents to call the fire department. "At least two fire tenders arrived to control the fire. We don't know whether MCG workers or miscreants are setting the waste ablaze, but our daily lives are being severely affected," he said. Kaasam, councillor of Ward 12, said the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has not taken action despite repeated complaints. "This site was meant to be a temporary dumping yard three years ago but has now become a permanent one. Today, forest officers came since the site lies on Aravalis forest land. They stopped 10-12 tractors dumping waste. I have allowed dumping only till Wednesday before taking action." In response, Suman Lata, executive officer, Sohna Municipal Corporation, termed it a "one-day occurrence" and claimed the situation was under control, contradicting residents. "There is no alternative site nearby to collect and dispose of the waste," she said. Residents of Sector 81 also reported similar incidents. Satya Sahay, of Vipul Lavanya Society, said a vacant plot used as an illegal dumping ground was set ablaze again. "This site was supposed to be cleared before Diwali, but it continues to remain littered. Today, garbage was set on fire, causing smoke and foul smell," she said. Calls to MCM officials went unanswered despite several attempts by HT to seek a response. Vaishali Rana, an environmentalist, said civic bodies have failed to implement effective waste management. "It's ironic to see waste being burnt when Grap is in force," she said. "Forest officials must also be held accountable, as the Sohna dumping site lies within the Aravalli. Ironically, most dumping sites are close to forest belts."...