This park in Gurgaon seems perfect. Why, then, is it empty?

The empty swings and unoccupied benches at the park in Vipul Lavanya, Sector 81, Gurgaon, have a story to tell. The children are forbidden to play outside in the evenings.

Why?

The emission from an adjoining factory that manufactures brakes makes the place so toxic that it’s even difficult to breathe. Most children of the society suffer from constant cough and skin rashes.

Surprisingly, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has not been able to test the gas, as it does not have the facilities to test suspended particulate matter.

Vipul Lavanya houses 300 families.

A month ago, residents had asked HSPCB to shut down the factory, but no action has been taken so far.

Gaurav Arora, father of a 7-year-old girl, rues, “Even we don’t like to hold our kids back. But do we have a choice? Skin diseases and breathing troubles are common here because of the toxic emissions. It’s best they don’t go out.”

Harjiv Rekhi, a resident, adds, “We are now planning to approach the National Green Tribunal [NGT]. We don’t know what else to do.”