With an aim to make Chandigarh pollution-free, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday announced a fine of Rs 5,000 on anyone found using or dealing with plastic material (bags, cups and plates) in Chandigarh. The tribunal has also slammed the Chandigarh administration and civic authorities for not implementing the ban on the said plastic material.
The tribunal also pointed out that the Sukhna Choe drain was stated to be in a bad condition. The pollution control committee shall direct the appropriate agency to clean the drain within four weeks.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar said, “There shall be complete prohibition on the use of bags, glasses, plates and allied items made of plastic in Chandigarh. Any person found using or dealing with plastic material in the area would be liable to pay compensation for environmental degradation at the rate of Rs 5,000 per incident”.
The tribunal’s direction came while hearing a plea by Chandigarh resident Rishi Dev Anand, who had alleged gross failure of the waste management system and delay in tackling garbage disposal in Chandigarh.
The tribunal stated that it had come to the notice that 370 metric tonnes of garbage was produced daily in Chandigarh and around 100 metric tonnes was being dumped in an unscientific manner. The land fill site should be prepared strictly in accordance with the rules, the tribunal observed. The applicant Anand had sought directions for taking immediate steps for waste management and garbage disposal in Chandigarh. The panel had earlier issued notices to the Chandigarh administration and the municipal corporation over the solid waste management system in the city.
{{/usCountry}}The tribunal stated that it had come to the notice that 370 metric tonnes of garbage was produced daily in Chandigarh and around 100 metric tonnes was being dumped in an unscientific manner. The land fill site should be prepared strictly in accordance with the rules, the tribunal observed. The applicant Anand had sought directions for taking immediate steps for waste management and garbage disposal in Chandigarh. The panel had earlier issued notices to the Chandigarh administration and the municipal corporation over the solid waste management system in the city.
{{/usCountry}}The next hearing of the case is on January 7.
When contacted, municipal commissioner Bhawna Garg said “We carry drives regularly and at the same time, it is duty of the citizens also to cooperate in proper implementation of ban on plastic bags. As far as order of NGT is concerned, I am not aware of it. Will check on Monday, whether MC was heard in this case or not.”
UT to reply on
What is the exact quantum of solid waste that is being generated in the city of Chandigarh?
Whether there is an appropriate mechanism in place for collection and segregation of waste at the collection point?
Whether the dumping site has been prepared strictly in accordance with the rules? What is its capacity?
Whether this site is closer to any water body and if there is any possibility of polluting of the ground water?
Steps that the Chandigarh administration proposes to take for ensuring that no solid waste is spread and dumped in any part of any sector except the dumping site and also as to why the banning of plastic use in Panchkula and Mohali be not directed, as there is already a ban of use plastic in the city of Chandigarh.
The possible availability of another dumping site and establishing another management plant in Chandigarh or surrounding areas.