India, July 23 -- Residents of Bandhwari village have accused the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) of illegally discharging untreated leachate-a toxic liquid byproduct of waste decomposition-directly into the Aravalli forest through a concealed underground pipeline network. The alleged discharge, villagers claim, has endangered public health, contaminated groundwater, and threatened local wildlife.

"This is an environmental disaster in the making," said Harbir Harsana, a Bandhwari resident and environmentalist. "The leachate is flowing straight into the forest and seeping into our water sources. It smells foul, poses health risks, and is endangering animals in the hills," Harsana added.

Locals said the network of pipelines appear...